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In light of the rising concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) I wish to inform the school community of our measures to protect our students and staff from possible exposure to the virus. At the school level, our custodians are taking significant precautions and giving great attention to ongoing disinfection procedures during the day in our common areas such as cafeterias, restrooms and playgrounds.

Beginning March 16 our school nurses under the direction of Lead Nurse, Ms. Debbie Hyatt will be providing training for our school staff members for proper hand washing techniques, proper cough and sneeze covering techniques, and warnings not to share basic things such as eating utensils, cups, toothbrushes, towels or lip balm. Teachers will then instruct students on these procedures on a daily basis until the virus is no longer a threat to the public.

Additionally, the district will be providing spray bottles and a recommended disinfectant, gloves, and paper towels for the purpose of misting down all hard surfaces at the end of each instructional day. Transportation staff will also follow this same process each morning after students are unloaded from buses and each afternoon when the buses are parked at the end of the routes.

All Butler County Schools will release students early (12:00 noon) on Friday, March 20. Staff members will remain at work during the afternoon to disinfect the schools prior to closing for spring break. Extended day services will not be provided on March 20.

Effective today, I have issued the following directive for all Butler County Schools regarding school events and field trips. This will remain in effect until April 30. We will reassess the situation at that time based on guidance from ADPH.

• Cancel any event where it would be expected to have 500 or more people gathered. This would include performances, plays, athletics, conferences, etc. Please note that amended  activities may still be appropriate if you can limit attendance.
• Cancel any and all field trips, whether inside or outside of Alabama.

State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Eric Mackey has issued guidance to school systems regarding school closures in the event of a confirmed case in a school community. Should there be a confirmed case in a particular school community, that school or those schools would be closed for 24-48 hours.

We are monitoring health sites, joining webcasts from our Alabama State Department of Education, as well as monitoring continuous news feeds from the state and federal government as to the next steps in the event there becomes a clear and present danger regarding the safety of our staff and students.

 For questions or additional information, you may contact Superintendent Joseph Eiland at joe.eiland@butlerco.k12.al.us or by phone at (334) 382-2665.