The Crookston School Board met on Thursday night inside a packed Crookston High School Choir/Orchestra room and have decided to move from level 2 to level 3 of the school’s health and safety measures. The decision comes after the COVID-19 cases within Crookston and Polk County continue to rise.
The board voted in favor 3-2 of moving from level 2 to level 3 of the health and safety measures beginning on October 4. Adrianne Winger and Mike Theis were the two board members who voted against, while Dave Davidson, Patty Dillabough, and Tim Dufault voted yes. School board chair Frank Fee was unable to attend the meeting as he is still recovering from neck surgery earlier this month.
Crookston Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson explained what moving to level 3 entails. “The changes are moving to a three-foot social distancing at the High School,” said Olson. “At the elementary level, we will require masks. That will start on October 4 to give parents and staff time to prepare for the change.”
Olson began the meeting by giving a brief presentation with Polk County Public Health information regarding the rise of COVID-19 within the county and why he recommends making this change. “The biggest thing was to show people the focus we took regarding staying with in-person learning,” said Olson. “This year, we’ve had 79 kids that have had their learning affected by COVID-19, and that’s unacceptable and not something we want to see.”
Last year only two students within the same time frame were affected by COVID-19 at the beginning of the school year when masks were in place.
There was also a brief period where people could share their thoughts and express their opinions before the board decided. Olson talked about the importance of the board hearing the public’s concerns. “The school board works for our community,” said Olson. “We are public servants, and we want to faithfully serve our community and listen to them. Sometimes you must make decisions that are unpopular because it’s the right thing to do and it’s best for the kids.”
A few of the public members in attendance took the opportunity to mention their concerns with masking. Such as masking interrupting students’ learning, that kids aren’t at risk with the virus, and the potential mental health issues that could come from wearing masks. There were also comments from some suggesting there is no data to support masks being effective. There was also one comment regarding the PCR test and the questioning of its effectiveness.
Some people took the opportunity to address mental health issues within the school and the need to start listening to students and what they have to say. School Board member Dave Davidson informed the public he and the rest of the board have unmoved confidence in the school’s mental health professionals and the job they are doing.
And finally, there were also a few people that stood up in support of moving to level 3 and believed it was the best way to keep the School District safe. In total, 14 people spoke during the meeting.
With the vote now passed, Olson discussed the factors moving forward that could change the health and safety measures again. “We are looking at starting this on October 4 and reviewing this every two weeks,” said Olson. “Will be looking at the data to see if we’re trending in the right direction to reduce back down to level 2 because we understand from the community standpoint people want to see it removed.”
A few exemptions may take place to the masking rule by using what Olson calls a common-sense approach. “What I’d like to do is give mask breaks for students when they’re socially distanced,” said Olson. “Wearing a mask all day long isn’t very fun. We’re also looking at not requiring it when students are active in sports or exercise because students need to be able to breathe.”
COVID-19 cases have increased 263% at the beginning of this school year compared to last year. The School District will continue to look for ways to create a safer environment and will work closely with Polk County Public Health weekly.
Pictures of a few people who spoke to the board during the meeting can be found below.
