Guidance for Reentry to City of St. Louis School Systems

Introduction

The spread of COVID-19, a novel respiratory illness caused by SARS CoV-2, caused several unexpected challenges for education institutions across the nation. In the City of St. Louis, spread of the virus resulted in the closure of all schools. Consequently, schools were forced to adopt and implement virtual learning programming. Although not sustainable because of limited information technology infrastructure and systemic inequities, implementation of virtual education programming was necessary to protect the health of school age youth, school staff and their families. Nevertheless, there is evidence that in-school learning is essential to child and adolescent development.

Over the past few months, City of St. Louis academic leaders, public health leaders and government officials have been meeting to create re-entry guidance for primary and secondary schools. The purpose of said guidance is to ensure the implementation of standardized evidence-informed protocols necessary to protect the health of students, school staff, and the community at large.

The signature of each City of St. Louis collaborative workgroup organization’s representative is a declaration that their organization agrees with, and will support, the implementation of the guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, school staff, and families.

Kelvin R. Adams, Ph. D, Superintendent, City of St. Louis Public Schools

Jamie Driver, Executive Director, Independent Schools of St. Louis

Douglas P. Thaman, Ed. D, Executive Director, Missouri Charter Public School Association

Wilford Pinkney, Director, Women, Youth & Family Services, City of St. Louis

Fredrick L. Echols, M.D., Acting Director of Health, City of St. Louis