Student Illness, School Outbreaks, and In-Person Learning

Please see the attached School Outbreak and In-Person Learning Memo.  Please note that there is no threshold that a school/district has been given as guidance on whether to keep schools open or closed.  That is a local decision based on several factors, all of which are outlined in the memo.  Although we understand individuals in the community are advocating the school/district to consider closing as we did during the highest peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact remains that we have many who are advocating for the opposite, understanding that there are many students who rely on our programs and services.  School is where so many of our students need to be, as long as they are healthy enough to do so.  

Additionally, there are no executive orders in place for schools to close with flexibility.  Each school district must adhere to the 175 student day rule set by the State of Maine.   Any day we close is a day that must be made up.  At this time, as long as we have staff to operate schools, we will remain open.  Future determinations for school closures will always be done on a school-by-school basis.  

We hope that each family with a sick child, and each staff member who is ill returns to school soon.  Our schools continue to urge anyone who is sick to stay home to recover.  Take care and thank you for your understanding as we navigate yet another round of school outbreaks.  

Click here or the image above to access the memo.