Upcoming Changes to Masking Policy in Lansing USD 469
During the December 13th Board of Education meeting, the Lansing USD 469 School Board voted and approved making masks optional for students and staff when we return from winter break in January 2022 and adopting the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's (KDHE) Test to Stay and Learn Plan #2, Strategy A. This plan will provide optional COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated students/staff who have been a close contact with a positive case. This testing will allow for a "modified quarantine" where students and staff who have been exposed can remain in person at school during quarantine using a testing strategy.
KDHE Test to Stay and Learn Plan # 2, Strategy A states:
"Test susceptible close contacts daily with a rapid antigen test through at least day seven after exposure and allow them to continue in-person learning if negative. Face masks must be worn daily during the entire quarantine period (at least seven days) and are recommended for the full 14-day incubation period."
This testing option is made possible by KDHE who is funding COVID-19 testing in Pre-K through 12th-grade schools. The purpose of this funding is "to support safe, in-person instruction in schools."
We want to reiterate that this testing will be optional, and parent/guardian approval is required before we will test any student under the age of 18. If a parent/guardian chooses not to have their child tested and that child is unvaccinated, they will have to follow Leavenworth County Health Department's quarantine policy.