KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Olathe students will continue in their current learning modes despite a spike in COVID-19 cases in the area.
In a message to parents on Monday, the district said that in-person learning will continue for elementary students, while older students will continue with hybrid learning.
The district follows guidance from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, which last week moved its recommended phase for schools from the "orange" to the "red" zone. However, the health department said it would not recommend that schools change how they are operating.
Olathe Public Schools reiterated the county's stance to families on Monday, saying it’s “important to note that JCDHE has not recommended changes to learning modes as the spike in COVID cases is due to community spread and not being driven by schools.”
The county’s gating criteria considers the positivity rate and incidence rate in determining its recommendations for schools, both of which have spiked over the last week.
The Olathe school district also considers student absenteeism, which is measured by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and weighs each metric equally.
Cody Kennedy, a district spokesman, said the district will continue to monitor gating criteria and notify families of any changes.
"As a district, we are concerned with the recent spike in cases," school administration said in its message to families. "We remain confident that our district’s mitigation processes have been effective."
The district urges families to continue mitigation efforts, including mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing.
