In Hardin County, schools will continue with plans for in person learning this fall, with COVID mitigation measures that include deep-cleaning and a mask-optional policy.
Superintendent Andy Edmonson said the mask optional policy is based on current data, and the school will remain flexible as guidance from state and federal officials changes. But, he said, it's important to consider the measures taken beyond masking.
"This year we hired an additional maintenance person to make sure our HVAC is up to par with ventilation and we also have plans in the future to redo the HVAC system here, but you know there's a lot of mitigation that we've done to make sure our kids return to a safe school environment. I don't want everyone to lose sight of those while things are constantly moving," he said.
The school has also hired additional staff to make sure classrooms are deep-cleaned each day and purchased air purifiers for all classrooms. Edmondson said the current plan is based on the low rate of cases in Hardin county.
