Union Public School Board Discusses Back-To-School Safety Measures

Union Public Schools is continuing its discussions on how to bring students back to classes safely next week. The board met Monday night to discuss its initial draft of the plan that will bring students back on August 18 without a mask requirement.

This plan outlines, that due to Oklahoma law, the district is only strongly encouraging students and teachers to wear a mask on campus, but it will not be required. They also say contact tracing will be in place, but unless a student is showing symptoms after coming in close contact with someone who has tested positive, the student will not be required to quarantine. Physical distancing measures will also not be put into place but are encouraged when possible.

Parents have the option to either choose in-person or virtual learning for their students this year. The district said if a case outbreak happens, it can decide as a board to do distance learning for two weeks as needed.

Meals will be provided for all students no matter which learning form is chosen.

The re-entry task force members say they are relying on families to monitor their students during the year to make sure they aren’t coming to school with any COVID-19 symptoms.

The board said in a statement that “District policies and practices will need to remain flexible and nimble as we respond to new information and work through the many issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As Union Public School’s plan evolves over the next few weeks before students return to school, News On 6 will continue to keep you updated with the latest information about your child’s school guidelines.