Joel E Barber school plans to start classes September 8th due to covid cases in the system

After experiencing an outbreak of COVID 19, the Joel E Barber School Board called an emergency meeting to discuss the school calendar and start date. School Superintendent Rachelle Jennings gave the board her recommendations, which included two options….

The other option was to delay the start by one week….

Board member Crystal Blake expressed concerns about the choices given…

Jennings said Blake’s suggestion would put the start date at September 14th, which could mean they would have to use up Friday’s that are normally set aside for snow makeup days. Ultimately it was decided that the start date would be two weeks out, with the School Board having the option to reschedule if there is another outbreak. Also if any of the staff travels in excess of 50 miles during the weekend before the start of school, they will be required to quarantine for at least a week before entering the building, and then wear a mask in the building.

As of Thursday evening, the Laclede County Health Department reported a total 10 positives involving staff and students, in the Joel E Barber School and another 7 close contacts.