Williamsburg schools amend ‘test to stay’ program

The Williamsburg Board of Education amended its guidance on COVID-19 to include additional information regarding the district’s test to stay program.

Dayspring Health Physician Assistant Sara McQueen addressed the board regarding the district’s test to stay program which allows students to remain in school as long as they show no symptoms, test negative daily for seven days, and were a low risk exposure.

McQueen said that students could not show any of the numerous symptoms related to COVID while at school in order to qualify for the test to stay program.

As part of the requirement, parents would have to consent to students being rapid tested daily for at least seven days. McQueen emphasized that the rapid test is not as invasive as a nasopharyngeal test.

Students who continually test negative will be allowed to remain in-person.

The test to stay program only applies to students who were exposed through a low risk exposure. McQueen defined a low risk exposure as the person with the virus was wearing a mask and the person exposed was wearing a mask.

The program does not apply to students who were exposed during an athletic event because athletes do not wear masks while playing.

For parents and students that do not wish to participate in the test to stay program, options to quarantine for 10 days or quarantine and get tested after five days and return after seven will still be available.

Board Chair Kim Williams emphasized the test to stay procedures were established in cosultation with the Whitley County Health Department and align with Center for Disease Control recommendations.

“I know the intention of the board and what the board is after and it is our students being in this building and being taught,” said Williamsburg Superintendent Tim Melton.

Melton said part of the test to stay program is masking.

Students are required to mask at all times including on the bus.

The board also amended the age listed in the packet for student vaccination. Students ages 5 and older have been approved by the FDA to receive a vaccine.

Members of the board of education voted unanimously to amend the district’s guidance document.

In other business:

• The board unanimously elected Kim Williams as the 2022 board chairman.
• The board unanimously elected Roger Faulkner as the 2022 board vice-chairman.
• The boards regularly scheduled meeting dates for January through December 2022. Each of the meetings will be the third Tuesday of the month except for March which will be on March 29.
• The board unanimously approved a medical excuse form procedure which includes a specific form that students will be required to have completed by their doctor if the student has already submitted 10 or more doctors notes to the school.