Parents ask for additional information on COVID-19 exposure protocol

Two parents with students in Mahomet-Seymour’s Jump Start program approached the Mahomet-Seymour School Board Monday night in hopes to better understand the district’s protocols when a teacher, student or staff member is exposed to or infected with COVID-19.

Linda Hodges asked, “What measures are to take place before the student or teachers go back to the room or the environment that person was in?”

The district’s Jump Start program began on July 27. From the parent’s statements that were read to the board, a teacher in the COMPASS program had been exposed to COVID-19 and interacted with students. 

Parents were told that the normal cleaning was taking place, but nothing extra was happening. 

“This was in a classroom in one of the COMPASS rooms where students’ immune systems are lower,” Hodges wrote. 

“I understand that the teacher tested negative on Saturday, however that is very soon after being exposed and could still be positive.” 

Kim Woolridge said that she was not upset that her child had potentially been exposed to COVID-19, “because in everything we do now there is a certain degree of risk involved.  

“It’s not really a matter of “if” so much as “when” it happens because with re-opening we all know it will happen.  

“I am upset that no “extra” disinfection took place in the classroom, hall or restrooms.”

Mahomet-Seymour School district had a brush with a COVID-19 outbreak in early July after an “unofficial prom”. The district suspended in-person summer school courses, including driver’s ed, and all athletic practices to mitigate the spike.

Woolridge said that situation could have helped the district develop written protocols stating the measures that need to be taken when situations arise.

Woolridge said it was her understanding that the teacher is following Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department guidelines and will not return to Jumpstart. 

“However, since the person must be treated like they could have Covid-19 and must quarantine then I would expect the District to treat the facility as if someone tested positive once they are aware of a possible exposure,” Woolridge wrote. 

“The lack of taking extra precautions in cleaning and disinfecting the classroom, hall and restroom used is unacceptable.  Our children are more vulnerable and every precaution should be taken to try to mitigate exposures.  Staff also must work more closely and sometimes 1:1 with our children.  They should also be protected as much as possible.” 

Hodges also asked, “How often are teachers and students being tested for COVID?” and “Will there be any mandated testing?”

Hodges’ son is attending the Jumpstart program to learn the skills that were missed when school moved online in the spring. She chose to have her son complete the 2020-21 school year online with the exception of the services he receives for his vision. 

“He can’t learn how to walk with a cane or learn how to read Braille online,” she said. 

“I want to be reassured when I send him to this environment all measures will be taken.”

Per district and ISBE guidelines, students are required to wear a mask at all times unless they have a doctor’s note. Hodges said that her son is also required to wear a shield at all times. 

She understands that masks need to be removed when students are eating, but she learned that her son was not wearing his shield or a mask during an instructional period when picture of him was posted on the COMPASS Facebook page. 

“If you could address and explain what the actual protocols will be for this situation moving forward, I would appreciate it.” 

Woolridge added, “I strongly urge the District to develop and share written protocols for when possible exposures, known exposures, and positive cases are known to include how facilities are disinfected and cleaned beyond the daily routine Covid-19 cleanings.”

The board does not respond during the public comment time. No further discussion on this situation took place during the board meeting.