At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, the Quaker Valley School Board approved the updated Health and Safety Plan for the 2022-2023 school year. This plan is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and outlines what the return to school will look like for students, faculty, and staff.
The Board unanimously approved the plan, with one Board member absent. The plan takes effect immediately.
According to the official Health and Safety Plan, masking is optional for all students, staff members, and school visitors. The District will continue to make masks available to anyone who chooses to wear one and suggests that anyone on campus follow the most updated guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Allegheny County Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, the plan emphasizes that, “There will be no tolerance for making anyone feel unsafe or unwelcome in our schools with respect to their masking preference.”
The plan also outlines the District’s ability to make dynamic decisions concerning mitigation strategies which will then be either approved or denied by the Board.
“As we approach the start of the new school year, I look forward to seeing everyone back on our campuses to do what we do best: provide in-person, world-class educational opportunities for our students. We will continue to encourage mitigation measures to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and students and preserve an unparalleled educational experience at Quaker Valley,” says Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tammy A. Andreyko.
The Health and Safety Plan features continued mitigation strategies such as maximizing HVAC controls, cleaning and disinfecting school buildings, hand washing, and respiratory etiquette. In addition to these strategies, the District intends to continue the rapid antigen testing program. The plan allows for additional layers of mitigation as necessary.
“I am pleased that Covid-19 is not the most prevalent conversation in our back to school planning this year. However, I am proud of the work we have done to continually adapt our health and safety plan in response to local and regional conditions,” said Dr. Andrew Surloff, Assistant Superintendent and Pandemic Coordinator. “Ultimately, we are focused on achieving our most important goal; a safe return to in-person learning.”
Click here to read the official Health and Safety plan submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.