Springfield Local Schools is holding tight to its mask mandate at least through Thanksgiving, when officials plan to revisit the policy.
At the November 11 meeting, Superintendent Matt Geha explained the impact COVID-19 has had on students and staff.
In all of 2020-21, there were 123 students and 85 adults with COVID. So far this school year, the district numbers are 150 students and 31 adults. “Our kids cases are way up,” he said.
With the vaccine now available to a younger population, Springfield has taken measures, offering immunization clinics to those 5 and older.
“Our clinics are going well,” he noted with the most recent one full at 263 students, most under age 12. “That’s a positive.”
However, he recommended maintaining the mask policy through Thanksgiving and reevaluating at that time.
Mr. Geha believes it is imperative to keep students healthy and learning in school. “We’re doing everything we can to keep kids here,” he said,
Middle School Principal Jeff Pendry agreed. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep kids in the building. It’s a heck of a lot better than dealing with remote.”
Going hand-in-hand with student health is that of the staff.
The superintendent pointed out the district, like others in the area, is dealing with a shortage of substitutes across all areas, making it a challenge when people are sick.
Two intervention specialists brought on to help with learning loss that occurred during the pandemic have not been available due to the need to cover for teachers, he noted.
“All of these absences are straining our district,” he said. “From August 15 to No
“From August 15 to November 10, there have been 1,558 employees absent,” the superintendent said, noting most do not pertain to requested leave.
Dr. Ian Thomas of McLaren St. Luke’s Hospital believes Springfield should continue the policy heading into winter.
“I’m tired of COVID too, but anything you can do will help hospitals throughout the community.”
He said hospitals are being hit two-fold with fewer staff and more patients with other needs because of the virus.
He acknowledged that the hospital has diverted patients to other facilities because of the situation.
Dr. Thomas cautioned the board, ”We’re not out of the woods yet so everything we can do–vaccinating, social distancing and masks–will help.”
Springfield parent Heather Mullins urged the district to reconsider. She said children should be given the option to wear masks, adding that her children do not want to wear them any more.
Ms. Mullins questioned what the criteria would be for changing the policy.
Board member Ken Musch responded, “To me the most important thing is to keep the students in school–to do what we need to do to keep staff and kids safe. To err on the side of caution is the best case.
“Are there any hard and fast rules? No, but look at the numbers here and around us. If those numbers drop, then it makes sense to change the policy. But I think this is the proper course at this time.”
Board president Ev Harris agreed, noting that until they see a steady decline in case numbers, the masks, “which are one stopgap, will help.”
“I know for a fact this is not easy,” Mr. Geha acknowledged, pointing out he has heard arguments on both sides.
But the superintendent repeated his recommendation to “not close anything down, and the best way to do that is to keep the safety mandates. I don’t want to close.”
Five Year Forecast
Treasurer Ryan Lockwood presented the forecast, noting that “at the time of this forecast, the state funding model has not been fully implemented at the Ohio Department of Education.”
“Funding is currently based off the previous model minus funds dedicated to those students who attend charter schools or are on the autism/Peterson scholarships,” he said.
Addressing food service, Mr. Lockwood explained that all students are considered free so little additional revenue outside of federal subsidies is coming in to fund the program.
This fiscal year he believes the district “has the potential to have a $500,000 transfer from the general fund to cover increased salary costs, full staffing levels and increased supply costs.”
Inflation and the supply chain crisis are impacting district purchases, he explained. “Transportation, food service and maintenance/custodial have been hit particularly hard with product and equipment shortages.”
On a brighter note, the treasurer said Springfield received $9.3 million in federal stimulus dollars, which have been used to supplement current daily educational needs.
