The head of an entire school district has tested positive for COVID-19 just one day before staff return to start the 2020-2021 school year.
The news broke late-Sunday evening that Washington Court House City Schools Superintendent Tom Bailey informed the district’s school board members that his results for COVID-19 came back positive after he started experiencing symptoms. Bailey told the elected officials that a member of his household has also tested positive.
An email to Bailey by the Guardian seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Teachers and staff members expressed their concerns on social media and in private messages about the news to the Guardian. Some said that they had recently met with the Superintendent, but have been told to report to work tomorrow as planned. Students do not return until August 24.
Tracy Semler, a tenured educational professional in the district is president of the local teacher’s union.
“I think our district will do whatever we can to keep our teachers safe. We were suppose to have staff meetings. They have been changed to Zoom meetings. Teachers will return to their congregate setting,” Semler told the Guardian. She stopped shy of confirming or denying if the Superintendent had tested positive because she said she has not personally spoken with him.
Belle-Aire principal Jeff Conroy sent an email to staff late-Sunday evening.
“I have been notified this evening that one of WCH administrators has been diagnosed with COVID-19. As such, other employees working in the district may have been exposed to this virus,” the email read in-part. “I am asking you all to remain in your classrooms and work. Group meeting (sic) will be conducted virtually.”
After the Guardian broke the news in this article, staff were told they would work virtually on Monday and Tuesday until the local health department can instruct the district on how to proceed.
Families were given the option to allow their children to do virtual online learning for nine weeks instead of resuming classes in person. The number of students who have opted for the at-home learning option was not immediately available to the Guardian.
This article was updated at 9:02 p.m. to clearly articulate that students do not return until August 24.
