- April 24, 2024
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Flagler County Schools have eased just about all of their COVID-19 restrictions heading into the 2021-22 school year.
But with cases rising daily in the county and state, the protocols could change at any time, according to a four-page health and safety plan that the school released July 27.
“One thing we learned last year is we have to be prepared to change at any moment,” said David Bossardet, the school district’s risk management and safety specialist. “This is our plan right now. We’re confident in it as it stands. But I would not rule out any changes before Aug. 10.”
“This is our plan right now. We’re confident in it as it stands. But I would not rule out any changes before Aug. 10.”
DAVID BOSSARDET, District risk management and safety specialist
The biggest change from last year is remote learning will no longer be an option. When schools open on Aug. 10, learning choices will be limited to traditional in-person classes or the iFlagler Virtual School.
As a result, buses will run at normal capacity. Last year buses were limited to 50% capacity.
“With the majority of kids returning to campuses we won’t be able to do that this year,” Bossardet said. “But we’ll do everything we can to limit numbers.”
Masks will be optional but will be provided on request for students and staff. Extracurricular activities and sports will operate under normal procedures, but locker rooms and equipment will be regularly disinfected. Visitors and volunteers will be allowed on campus once again.
“Volunteers and mentors are a huge part of how our schools operate,” Bossardet said. “They are a major benefit to the services we provide our students. Some students depend on our mentors. They look forward to seeing them every day. Not having them on campus was a hard decision last year.”
The district will continue to work with the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County on contact tracing for any student or staff member who tests positive. This year, the health department is offering rapid tests for anyone thought to be exposed to a person infected with the virus.
Students and staff who have been in close contact with a confirmed case can avoid the required 10-day quarantine by taking the free non-intrusive Abbott BinaxNOW rapid self test after school hours at the health department at 301 Dr. Carter Blvd. in Bunnell or the airport annex location across from Flagler Palm Coast High School.
Those in the program would take the rapid test every other day for 10 days at one of the facilities and are then provided a testing kit to use at home on the off days. Results appear in 15 minutes. As long as the results are negative, the students and staff members can continue to attend school.
“Think about the moms and dads who both have to work. This is a student green card to return to school,” said Bob Snyder, the DOH officer for Flagler County. “The test is very sensitive and effective. It’s real simple to do, but if you can’t do it on your own, you can come in every day.
“It’s a way to keep students in school, keep teachers teaching and keep staff members employed,” Snyder said.
Imagine School at Town Center, a charter school, and the eight private schools in the county all agreed to have health department staff administer the rapid tests on campus.
A draft of the school district’s protocols was shared with the county’s teacher and support staff unions before it was released.
“We appreciate that the district was very collaborative and our feedback was considered,” said Flagler County Educators Association President Katie Hansen. “I think it’s a good plan. It gives families and employees wiggle room to make the decision that’s best for them and their child. They’re doing the best they can, trying to make it as palatable as possible for everyone involved.
“If we continue to see cases spike we’ll have the same conversations as last year in regards to remote learning and quarantine and what that looks like for employees’ leave time.”
