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Important Update from Dr. Philip Wagner, Superintendent
August 6, 2021 

RE: 2021/22 School Year

 Dear Families: Throughout the summer we have been watching public health conditions and the COVID-19 variant. Thus far, the infection rate is low within our community including over 25,000 residents who live within our school district boundaries. 

On Thursday evening (August 5th) the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) released updated COVID-19 fact sheets, including quarantine procedures. A summary of the quarantine information is as follows: 

  • If an individual is vaccinated and without symptoms, quarantine is NOT required 
  • If an individual is unvaccinated, wears a mask and all other layered preventions are in place and without symptoms, quarantine is NOT required 
  • The opposite is true for those not wearing a mask. If an individual is unvaccinated, not wearing a mask and all other layered preventions are in place, quarantine IS required. 
Click the following for the ODH Guidelines and the Fact Sheet or see the attached. These documents provide more details. Additionally, only health department officials will address matters of quarantine, including vaccine status. School district officials will report all close contact and quarantine matters to each of our respective health departments (Licking, Franklin County and Columbus Public Health). 

As a school district we plan to open on a regular schedule and most students will return on August 18th. Students attending North Elementary and the high school will have a separate schedule, respectively, due to kindergarten registration and freshman orientation.

Regarding masking, Masks are strongly recommended for staff and students for all school functions, but are not required except on school buses. Specific to school buses, a federal order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in place until September 13, 2021, that requires masks to be worn by anyone riding on public transportation, including school buses. 

Attached is a copy of our 2021/2022 COVID-19 General Procedures, prepared by our pupil services department. This infographic provides additional information about district operations, including some of our layered preventions and we will be attempting to keep physical distancing to at least three feet. We ask that you help us follow these layered preventions to enhance the safety of our staff and students.

Next week I will provide a districtwide welcome letter that provides more details about the new school year. Also, each building principal will release a schedule for their respective students. For example, there is a staggered start for kindergarten, due to kindergarten screening. I will continue to provide relevant updates as they become available. In the meantime, I recently shared with the staff that even though preparations for this school year are starting somewhat different than expected, I still maintain high hopes for a successful academic year. I extend the same sentiments to you and look forward to the upcoming school year. 

Sincerely, 
Philip H. Wagner, Ph.D. Superintendent 
Attachments Available To Download:
Printable Copy of Dr. Wagner's Letter
Printable Copy of Dr. Wagner's Letter (RTF)
COVID Procedures
COVID Procedures (RTF)