Some parents in the Jonathan Alder school district said they’re worried about the number of COVID-19 cases and feel frustration over mask and quarantine policies.
According to the district’s dashboard, by Dec. 10, there were 237 cases. As of Wednesday, case numbers jumped to 424.
A district spokesperson said the student absence rate averaged 17% last week and the staff averaged 14%.
"Just since they've been back in school, since January 4 we've increased that much and they're doing nothing,” said one parent, who wants to stay anonymous.
The district had a temporary mask mandate, which ended in October. As of now, there are no plans to reinstate it.
"Since then they have done nothing, I'm aware of extra to protect or keep anyone safe,” a parent said.
Some parents said the district’s policy for quarantining isn’t clear and not everyone is following the health recommendations. However, Superintendent Gary Chapman said this isn’t the case.
"Individuals are asked to wear a mask when returning back to school following the five days of quarantine. And yes, students are to quarantine when exposed,” Chapman said.
Chapman said the district has been following the health department’s guidance and requiring students and staff to quarantine after exposure.
"I think the tension lies there when the district has the recommendation for masking but is not required then that creates some issues and that intersect with the guidelines when a student is returning back from a quarantine. Thankfully though, the largest majority of our families are completely supportive and cooperative of the guidelines,” Chapman said.
But some parents are adamant, they haven’t been made aware of the policy change and they feel bringing back a mask mandate would help.
“I don’t know that they have the ability or the manpower to do what is necessary and the school isn’t making the decision about the masks, it’s the school board who is voting on these things,” one parent said.