Willamette Education Service District

"School dismissal based on a confirmed novel H1N1 case is not recommended.

Instead, similar to seasonal influenza, local school district decisions on closure should be based on magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism.

The focus should be on keeping students, staff and faculty ill with symptoms of influenza out of schools and childcare facilities until their illness is resolved."

It is important to note that the Oregon Public Health Division stated that the legal authority and decision to dismiss classes is the responsibility of local school officials and should be made in consultation with the local public health authority. The decision to close or remain closed is based on local considerations, including extent and severity of the swine flu.

All closed schools in Oregon are scheduled to re-open on May 6, 2009 with the exception of Central School District. Polk County Health Department, in consultation with other Oregon state health officials, has determined that the unique variables in Central School District indicate continued closure of all schools. The number and severity of the situations make Central School District unique.

Emphasis has now been placed on individualized measures of keeping sick students and faculty home:

Focus on early identification of ill students and staff;
Remind parents and enforce policies for having ill children stay at home when ill;
All staff and faculty should also stay home when ill;
Enforce hand washing policies and encourage children and workers to cover coughs and sneezes, and practice good hygiene.

WHAT'S NEW

New 2009 Expenditure Vouchers for WESD employees