Stevenson-Carson lays out COVID rules for 2021–22 school year: masks, spacing and testing plans

Superintendent Ingrid Colvard summarized the district's COVID requirements for the 2021–22 school year at the Aug. 12 board meeting.

Colvard said, “masks will not be required outside for students or staff.” She added that children 3 feet or further apart who are wearing masks will not be considered close contacts for quarantine in the classroom setting, while adults and any children without masks who are eating or drinking must be 6 feet apart or will be considered close contacts. Colvard also said PE may be held indoors, but masks must be worn in that setting, and health attestation forms will no longer be required.

Colvard reported local COVID metrics to the board, noting that “COVID rates in Skamania County remain fairly low. The positivity rate is 16.2%. Skamania County vaccine rates are extremely low.” The board did not take a formal vote on these operational guidelines at the meeting; the items were presented as superintendent communications and work-session topics to guide implementation for the upcoming school year.

The district said it will align testing and athletics guidance with recent state updates, including rapid testing requirements for some close-contact sports where applicable.