Radnor Twp. Schools Call Special Meeting On Masks, Sports, Phases

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — As Covid-19 cases in Delaware County trended upward at the end of July, the Radnor Township School District Board of Directors readied for necessary adjustments and reconsiderations of plans carefully formed in recent weeks.

The RTSD board voted the evening of Aug. 6 to continue supervised voluntary sports workouts in compliance with the board's approved Athletics Health and Safety Plan, until Aug. 25. The meeting happened on the heels of Gov. Tom Wolf's recommendation earlier that day, that school sports not begin until January 2021.

In Delaware County, there were 513 new cases of Covid-19 the week ending July 31 compared to 380 new cases the week before.

Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Batchelor said in the board's Aug. 6 video meeting that Wolf's recommendation changed the evening's agenda. "I understand how disappointing this news is for many of our students. We will keep you updated as we learn more."

He suggested the board review how the voluntary masking and distancing practices being used over the summer in athletics were going. There will then be a two-week pause in athletic activities between Aug. 25 and the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Additionally, the board voted Aug. 6 to schedule a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11 to re-evaluate the status of the district's reopening plan. Batchelor told the board that the Aug. 11 meeting would center on two matters. One would be to re-evaluate the phases for reopening that have already been approved. Pennsylvania's Department of Education on Aug. 10 issued updated guidelines for determining instructional models.

"Our goal is still to have kids back in school, but safely. And we have to adhere to the guidance we're given," Batchelor said.

Second will be discussion of details of the health and safety plan, particularly the protocols for mask and face shield use. The present policy allows for the removal of masks when students are at a distance of more than 6 feet, and using a clear face shield instead. This allowance, Batchelor explained, came through some in the medical community who said it "was a really good idea," because it allows students and teachers to see each others' faces, enhancing social interactions and communication.

But, he added, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says face shield are not as good as masks at distances of less than 6 feet, and family feedback favored masks at all distances. Batchelor acknowledged that there are "strong feelings" about the matter of how masks and face shields will be used.

"There is nothing wrong with re-evaluation," said Batchelor. This school year is not going to be the same, he stated, saying the entire year and the whole community is changed by Covid.

The superintendent added, "We are constantly reviewing the public health and medical recommendations for school reopening and have asked our health department for guidance on when we should pivot between our approved phases. We are also monitoring data specific to Radnor Township. We will discuss this more on Tuesday."

Tuesday's 7 p.m. meeting will be live streamed on the RTSD's YouTube channel.

The RTSD provide links to the information used to develop our masking recommendation:

• The PA Secretary of Health’s order is a face covering order. It allows for masks and face shields to be used interchangeably. The state's order on face coverings can be found here.
• Click here for a FAQ page explaining when individuals, including in schools, can take off face coverings altogether—at at least 6 feet apart, according to the PA Department of Health.
• The CDC guidelines for schools recommends face masks when students cannot be seated at least 6 feet apart in the classroom. Once 6 feet is achieved, the CDC states: “Face coverings may be considered.” While the CDC is clear that face shields and masks are not interchangeable, it also permits schools to allow students to wear no shield or mask, at 6 feet distance, when at recess, when in music class, and when at lunch. This CDC guidance for school administrators was updated on July 23. A quick reference guide for school administrators regarding masks can be found here.