Three cases of covid-19 have been identified in the Kiski Area School District in recent days.
Superintendent Tim Scott said the district was in the process of consulting with the state Department of Health concerning the next step after a staff member at Kiski Area Upper Elementary tested positive.
While that was going on, he said, the district became aware of two students who tested positive — one at Upper Elementary and one at North Primary.
A letter was sent to inform district families Wednesday morning.
Both schools will remain open.
“The Department of Health has indicated that due to the adherence to health and safety recommendations (masks, physical distancing, one-way walking patterns etc.) there is a very small chance of school transmission,” the letter reads. “Additionally, the Department of Health stated that based upon their contact tracing, no students or staff will need to quarantine.”
Scott said the district had been preparing for a possible closure — at least of the Upper Elementary building — but the state confirmed the district’s protocols were “sound,” he said.
The affected students and staff member will move to remote learning for the time being. They’ll be able to check in and still receive credit for their attendance.
“We’re very flexible in the model that we have,” Scott said.
Kiski Area has used a hybrid model for the past several weeks, after starting the school year with two weeks of fully remote learning.
Under the current system, students are broken into groups that alternate in-person learning. One group attends school in person on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the other attends Thursdays and Fridays. All students use remote learning on Wednesdays and on days they’re not working from school buildings. The plan includes more considerations that are specific to individual buildings.
The news of these cases comes just ahead of an information meeting Wednesday night with the school board. Scott said the board will begin discussing the possibility of allowing more in-person instruction.
