Salem Superintendent Discusses His Own Coronavirus Diagnosis

SALEM, MA — As Salem Public Schools prepare to bring back many students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade for the first time since March on Monday, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Zrike talked about his own family's battle with coronavirus over the holiday break.

Zrike said during his weekly Facebook Live session with the school community that he was sick for about a week around Christmas, that his whole family wound up contracting the virus and that he does not believe he contracted it on school grounds.

He said on Thursday afternoon that everyone is feeling better and despite his own diagnosis he believes it is relatively safe for students and staff to return to the classroom on Monday.

"I'm more convinced than ever that the school system is going to the right lengths to allow for in-person schooling to be an option," he said. "But there are risks. We said that from the start."

He said none of his close contacts in the district tested positive or developed symptoms, which is why he thinks he was exposed outside of school.

"It's just proof that it could happen to anybody," he said. "I've been trying to follow the guidance as closely as I can," he said. "Not perfect. But I do the best I can, and my family does, to keep safe.

"But there are obvious risks we assume navigating through this pandemic."

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Zrike said one important tool in keeping Salem Schools safe is the testing that took place available to all students and staff Monday through Wednesday this week. He said more than 2,000 tests were taken with results coming back starting Friday.

Students and staff who tested positive only will be informed.

"I am concerned about the rates in the community," he said. "I am concerned about the second variant of the disease. But I also know we've taken a number of extensive steps. The fact that we did testing this week gives me more confidence — not foolproof — in going back to school on Monday for many in-person learners."

He added that the district learned school nurses will be included in those eligible for the coronavirus vaccine as part of phase 1, which includes first responders and begins on Jan. 11.

Teachers are currently slated to be part of phase 2 scheduled to begin in February.

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