November 9, 2020
Dear Families:
On Monday, November 9, 2020, the District was advised that a staff member at East Pike Elementary School had tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, a student at East Pike was identified as a “probable positive” case on November 9. We expect the Department of Health (DOH) to quarantine 1-3 adults as a result of their exposure to the positive employee. It is our understanding that no students will be quarantined related to either case. As you know, the DOH has the authority and final determination to quarantine staff and/or students. The DOH is currently working with the school nurse and administration throughout this process.
These are the first cases at East Pike Elementary of which we are aware. I am recommending we stay open based on the following rationale:
- This decision still falls within the guidelines of our IASD Safety Plan where we indicated a range of 2-4 cases could result in a 3-7 day closure. Again, these are the first cases at East Pike for the entire year thus far.
- This scenario is reflective of the benefits of the hybrid model as well as the 6ft social distancing guidelines the Board of Directors has implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus.
- The two cases are not related.
I realize that these are difficult times with the increased pressures the pandemic causes, and there are no guaranteed right or wrong answers at times due to the varying beliefs, attitudes, and opinions on the matter. On behalf of the entire District, please know we are doing all we can to remain open to provide educational programming to our students with safety at the forefront of our decision-making.
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
IASD Superintendent