Schools granted waiver on high metrics due to SLMC ransomware attack
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Glen Szymoniak, Superintendent, Klamath County School District
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Klamath County School District Superintendent, Glen Szymoniak has written a letter addressed to “KCSD Families,” in regards to the continuation of in-person learning, COVID metrics, and what it means to the district.
In his letter, Szymoniak announces that even with a 10.7% county-wide COVID-19 positivity rate, KCSD has been granted a one-week waiver by the Oregon Department of Education due to the ransomware attack at Sky Lakes Medical Center. This waiver is in place to allow time for all negative test results to be accurately reported and in the correct week.
“Klamath County School District’s top priority is the safety of our students and staff, and we will continue to monitor the impact of the virus on our communities,” said Szymoniak. “As of today, Klamath County Public Health officials assure us that the increasing trend in new cases is not associated with our school communities, and the county continues to experience minimal community spread.”
In his letter Szymoniak quotes, Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education and Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction: “Klamath County and Klamath Falls City schools do not need to take any action in relation to the 10.7% test positivity data point released this week. The schools will need to return to normal procedures and take action based test positivity and case rate data that will be released on Monday, November 23.”
“Klamath County School District will continue to monitor the metrics and will alert families of any changes to our school models and schedules,” stated Szymoniak in his letter. “If the rate goes above 10% next week, our 4th-12th grade students at Brixner, Ferguson, Shasta, Stearns, Peterson, Falcon Heights, Mazama, and the Henley Complex would be required to start classes Monday, Nov. 30 with comprehensive distance learning.”
Szymoniak continues to say that the unfavorable metrics do not impact K-3 students, nor does it affect students at rural schools (Keno, Malin, Merrill, Chiloquin, Gilchrist, Gearhart, Bonanza, and Lost River).
“We worked hard to bring our students back, and we hope our county’s numbers decrease so we can continue to offer in-person learning. We wish our families an enjoyable Thanksgiving break,” Szymoniak said in closing.
KCSD will post any updates to their website at www.kcsd.k12.or.us.