Throughout the pandemic, USD 247 has followed the recommendations of the Crawford County Health Department and will continue to do so.  In a meeting with Crawford County superintendents on Friday, October 1, health department officers indicated they are changing their recommendation for the Crawford County Schools from universal masking to mask-optional effective at the start of the school day on Monday, October 4th.  The district will continue to keep all other mitigation strategies in place such as frequent hand washing/sanitizing, social distancing, cleaning practices, etc.  Per federal mandate, masks are still required on school buses and other school means of transportation.

The ability to remain mask-optional will be based upon the school absenteeism rate, by school building, and the community infection rate.  These rates will be monitored by the health department weekly.  Each school building must maintain less than 3% of student and staff absenteeism from COVID.  Only absences from COVID positive individuals or those required to quarantine outside of school will be counted in the 3%.  If one school building exceeds the 3%, only that building will move back into mask-required and will remain in mask-required for a minimum of two weeks.  USD 247 will release weekly updates to staff and families concerning the absenteeism rate in each school.