The East Sac County Community School District (ESC) announced Wednesday they will be transitioning to a shortened schedule in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases within the county. As of 2 p.m. today (Wednesday), Sac County’s positivity rate was the seventh highest in the state at 18.3 percent. ESC will begin operating on a one-hour early-out schedule at their attendance centers beginning tomorrow (Thursday), Sept. 24. Superintendent, Jeff Kruse, says a variety of reasons led to the decision.
The district will use this schedule through at least Oct. 1 and may be continued based on trends in the county’s positivity rate and number of quarantined students. ESC started the year with face coverings optional for students and staff, but Kruse says they have had to make some adjustments to that policy due to the recent increase.
Currently, ESC activities will go on as planned, but there have been some changes made to the guidelines for fans. Those in attendance at the home volleyball match against Emmetsburg on Thursday evening will be expected to wear a face covering while in the gym. The district has indicated they would consider limiting attendance at ESC activities if these guidelines are not followed. Kruse says these changes are being implemented to keep students in the classroom as much as possible, but the district is prepared to switch to a hybrid model if case numbers and quarantines continue to rise.
Kruse asks for patience from families as the district continues to navigate this difficult situation. He says ESC’s end goal is to ensure that quality education continues for their students.
