The Board recognizes that a pandemic/epidemic outbreak is a serious threat that stands to affect students, staff, and the community as a whole. With this consideration in mind, the Board establishes this policy in the event the town/municipality and/or School District is affected by a pandemic/epidemic outbreak. At all times the health, safety and welfare of the students shall be the first priority.
Planning and Coordination
The Superintendent shall designate one or more staff members to serve as a liaison between the School District and local and state health officials. This designee is responsible for connecting with health officials to identify local hazards, determine what crisis plans exist in the School District and community, and to establish procedures to account for student well-being and safety during such a crisis. The designee shall work with local health officials to coordinate their pandemic/epidemic plans with that of the School District.
With fiscal concerns in mind, the District may purchase and store supplies necessary for an epidemic/pandemic outbreak, including but not limited to disinfectant products, face masks, water, examination gloves, and other supplies as recommended by health officials.
The Superintendent shall develop procedures and plans for the transportation of students in the event of an evacuation. Such procedures shall include provisions for students who cannot be transported home at the time of an evacuation.
Response
In the event anyone within the school is discovered or suspected to have a communicable disease that may result in an epidemic/pandemic, that person may be quarantined pending further medical examination. Parents/guardians and local and state health officials shall be notified immediately.
In conjunction with local and state health officials, the Superintendent shall ascertain whether an evacuation, lockdown, or shelter-in-place needs to be established. As soon as such a decision has been made, the School District shall attempt to notify the parents of all students.
In the event of an evacuation, the Superintendent is charged with determining when the school shall re-open. In the event of a lockdown or shelter-in-place, the Superintendent shall notify all proper authorities and relief agencies to seek their assistance for the duration of the lockdown or shelter-in-place.
Infection Control
Any student or staff member found to be infected with a communicable disease that bears risk of pandemic/epidemic will not be allowed to attend school until medical clearance is provided by that individual’s primary care physician or other medical personnel indicating that that person does not bear the risk of transmitting the communicable disease.
Continuance of Education
The Superintendent shall develop a plan of alternate means of educating students in the event of prolonged school closings and/or extended absences. Such a plan may include providing students with assignments via mail, e-mail, local access cable television, or the School District’s website.
(cf. 5141.22 –Infectious Diseases)
(cf. 5141.23 –Infectious Disease Prevention)
(cf. 5144.1 – Suspension and Expulsion)
Legal Reference:
ALASKA STATUTES
14.03.02 School Year
14.30.045 (4) Grounds for suspension or denial of admission
ALASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
4 AAC 05.090 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, 45 C.F.R. 99.