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USD 415 to seek grant for COVID 19 testing

By Greg Bebermeyer

08/11/2021

(KNZA)--With the beginning of school just around the corner, the Hiawatha School District is seeking a grant to provide COVID-19 testing.

School nurse Erin Wenger informed the Hiawatha School Board Monday evening that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has come out with a grant where schools can do testing for the coronavirus on students and staff.

She said one option is a nasal antigen test for those have been directly exposed, but have no symptoms. It is called the “ Test to Stay”, and provides results in 15 to 30 minutes.

Wenger said the testing would allow students to stay in school, without having to be quarantined, if they have a negative test daily for 10 days.

Parents would have to give written permission one time for a test to be conducted, which would be good throughout the entire school year.

Wenger said the grant would cover the costs of the tests, along with possible additional staff to administer testing on-site at the schools.

Board member Amy Kopp said she wasn't comfortable with the district administering the test. She felt the school district was essentially taking the place of the health department or a family physican.

Board member Ian Schuetz said he believes it would provide a safe alternative to having to be quarantined.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the state is limiting the amount of time school districts can provide remote learning to 40 hours.

It was the general consensus of the board to allow Moser and Wenger to pursue the grant.

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