TOPEKA — The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved the “Navigating Change 2020” school reopening guidance document on a 9-0 vote. Board member Steve Roberts was not present.
Some of the operating guidance for schools includes:
— Students above fifth grade, staff and school visitors should wear masks
— Everyone should wash hands every hour
— Social distancing of at least six feet should occur wherever possible
— Students and employees who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 should be prohibited from school
— Meal service periods should be extended to allow for fewer students in the serving area at one time
— Staff temperatures should be taken daily
— Families should be responsible to take the temperatures of their children
State Board members made clear that the document did not contain any mandates and should be used only to assist school districts. Local school boards will make decisions on the policy for each district on an individual basis in consultation with local health officers.