WB school boss shares COVID update | News, Sports, Jobs

BELOIT – West Branch parents and guardians are being advised of new COVID-19 guidance regarding contract tracing.

Schools Superintendent Micki Egli reported at the school board meeting the Ohio Department of Health has stated schools may discontinue contact tracing unless the local health department notifies the district that there is a cluster or outbreak within the school.

In a letter posted online, Egli said parents and guardians are asked to still report to the school nurse if a child is a contact of a positive case inside or outside the school setting. The Mask to Stay/Test to Play guidance will also remain in place, meaning a child may attend school as long as they remain asymptomatic and they wear a mask for 10 days from the last date of contact with the positive person.

Parents and guardians are still required to report if their child is positive for COVID-19 within 24 hours. The district will continue to monitor the level of illness and positive cases reported to the school and will implement interventions if there is an increase in cases.

In the letter, Egli reminded parents and guardians the winter months usually bring an increase in illnesses and advised them to screen their children each morning, keeping them home if need be.

Also at the meeting, Egli reported the school district is joining with other districts across the state to recognize the contributions of school board members in their communities as part of School Board Recognition Month in January. According to the Ohio School Boards Association, the recognition is to “build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. School Board Recognition Month honors the members of Ohio’s more than 700 city, exempted village, local and joint vocational boards of education and educational service centers governing boards for their commitment to providing quality public education to Ohio’s school children.

“These public servants are elected to serve by local citizens and receive little compensation for their tireless efforts. These men and women are the local school board members of Ohio. These people unselfishly contribute their time and talents toward the advancement of public education. They represent a continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education. Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation to our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round commitment on their part. “They are dedicated individuals who are committed to the continuing success of our schools and students.”

The men and women serving the West Branch Local School District and their years of service include:

Mikki Kannagy, beginning her 11th year as a board member.

Aaron Hawk, beginning his third year as a board member.

Bryan Hobbins, beginning his first year as a board member after election (fulfilled two years previously for former member).

Joe Courtwright, beginning his first year as a board member.

David Yaggi, beginning his first year as a board member.

“I would like to thank each of you for your service to the school district community and look forward to another year of moving our district forward,” Egli said.

Egli also recognized Martig Farms, who donated their time and equipment to assist with the snow removal on the large lots at the high school campus Jan. 25.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the high school auditorium, with a work session at 5:30 p.m.