Message from the Superintendent: Update on Masking in Buildings

Dear Radnor Community,  

At last night’s School Board meeting, we discussed options related to the future of masking in our district. Currently, we will continue to require masks in our buildings. As transmission levels climb in our community and region, now is not the time to remove any mitigation strategy, including masking. We also discussed identifying guardrails to safely develop a path to gradually remove the masking requirement in the future.

Historically, our schools have experienced high rates of illness spread during and after breaks. Covid-related student and staff absences, coupled by a lack of substitute coverage, present daily challenges. We are committed to maintaining in-person education; removing masks during increasing rates of transmission jeopardizes this goal.

Independent of masking, we are required and will continue to do the following:   

• Notify the state of any positive cases 
• Identify close contacts and determine if they need to be quarantined 
• Isolate Covid-positive students and staff for 10 days 
• Require masking on all school buses  
• Consider closing school if more than 5% of the school is Covid-positive in a 14-day window 

We recognize the value of these mitigation strategies, yet the pandemic and related protocols are taking a toll on our staff and students. Our schools and specifically our students have born an unbalanced burden to mitigate the spread of this virus. I am proud of the way our staff, students, and community continue to respond to our mitigation protocols. From vaccine clinics to optional testing opportunities, our community continues to come together.  

It is my hope that the new year and some distance from the holiday break will provide a clearer picture of how we may adjust our mask requirement in the future. 

As a school district, it has been our goal to safely provide in-person education for all Radnor students. We will continue to evaluate all our mitigation protocols and ensure our students the best educational program.  

I hope everyone in our community can find time to relax and enjoy this holiday season. I wish everyone a wonderful break.   

Sincerely,  

Ken  

Kenneth E. Batchelor  
Superintendent of Schools 

View Dec. 21 Board Meeting PowerPoint

View Dec. 21 Board Meeting - Masking Presentation

View Dec. 21 Board Meeting - Superintendent Remarks