VAIL, Ariz. — Vail Unified School District will be the second district opening up for hybrid learning, starting on Monday.
KGUN9 learned 11 people have been tested with COVID-like symptoms within the district, but VUSD Superintendent John Carruth says they’re ready to open up for hybrid learning, with strict safety plans in place.
“COVID is in our community and here to stay for quite some time. So how are we managing and adjusting?” he told KGUN9.
Carruth says his district isn’t taking any chances.
“Since July when we’ve all returned, about 2,000 employees and 1,000 students have been on campus, and we have had 8 confirmed positive cases,” he added.
Here’s how he says they’re going to continue to keep those numbers down.
“We’re requiring temperature checks for all students and staff when they come on campus. Face coverings are required. If they don’t come with a face covering, one will be provided to them. Regular hand washing. Health checks are required beyond a temperature check,” he told KGUN9.
They’re also monitoring absences.
Here’s what they will do if someone were to report having a symptom.
“They are removed from their grouping and asked to go home. It could be they’re tested and that test returns negative and they’re able to return. It could mean they don’t want to get tested and in that case, they’d be out 10 days,” said the Superintendent.
Carruth says social distancing will be enforced and there will be fewer students in classrooms. As for breaks and passing periods...
“We are using staggered dismissal times between classes and there’s time to wipe and clean classes. All students will have an opportunity to have breaks throughout the day,” he added.
Most fall sports are underway in terms of practices. No word yet on dates for games or meets.
“We are doing everything that we can to provide safe schools and robust educational opportunities in the middle of a pandemic,” Carruth told KGUN9.
