HUMBOLDT —The Humboldt school board voted Thursday night to modify the district’s COVID-19 policies.
The changes do not include modifying the quarantine policy, but instead alters the way that the quarantine list is devised.
Those who have been in close contact with a positive case will still be quarantined, even if they were wearing a mask, etc.
Parents cannot override the quarantine protocol.
The district will no longer use student-made lists or school cameras to identify close contacts for the quarantine roster. Previously, in certain cases officials would ask students to make a list of close contacts, and would verify those lists with surveillance footage.
The protocol outlined below was approved 5-2, with Kevin Heisler and Josh Wrestler opposing:
Steps following identification of a positive COVID-19 case
Confirm with the associated health department.
After onset of symptoms with a positive case, back date 48 hours for contact tracing. The “back date” is also 48 hours prior to the positive test result for those who are asymptomatic.
Initiate contact tracing with the building administrator.
Sporting event: include head coaches and the athletic director.
Classroom: Look at current classroom maps and verify with teachers regarding positive case position within the classroom.
USD 258 will not ask for or investigate a list of student contacts provided by the positive case.
No cameras will be used to include a student on the close contact list. Cameras can be used to help verify the location of a student, if it might take them off the close contact list.
Parents will be personally contacted to exclude students from school pending quarantine notification from the health department or KDHE.
If a student refuses to leave school premises or a sporting event, the district will contact parents to retrieve the student. If a student continues to refuse to leave the premises, law enforcement will be notified for trespassing.
