Salem Superintendent Talks Coronavirus Cases In Schools

SALEM, MA — Salem Superintendent of Schools Stephen Zrike allowed there will be positive cases of coronavirus, and necessary quarantines because of them, as the district moves toward bringing back some students to in-classrooms on Nov. 16.

Zrike said during his weekly video conference with the school community that any case will be isolated and contact traced, but that it remains a goal to give as many students as possible the chance to return to in-school learning.

Salem Public Schools had five positive cases over the past week – three from students and two from staff – as the vast majority of students remained in fully remote learning.

"We have been relatively COVID-free in the schools until last week," Zrike said. "We knew this was going to happen. It was to be expected given what we've seen across the state. Until there is a vaccine, we are going to continue to see it."

Zrike said once a case is identified contact tracing will begin and anyone identified as a close contact — which he said is defined in the district as anyone who has had contact within 6 feet of a positive case for a total of 15 minutes over the previous 48 hours — they will have to quarantine for two weeks regardless of whether they have symptoms or have received a subsequent negative test.

Zrike said that is an effort to go above and beyond state guidelines.

"We know full well there will be moments and times when we will have to quarantine students and staff," he said.

Zrike said the district is developing an online "dashboard" to provide transparency when it comes to positive cases in schools and that free testing will be able next week for teachers and staff.

Students in grades kindergarten through second grade, sixth grade and ninth grade can return to in-classroom learning on Nov. 16 if they and their families choose. Zrike said he plans to announce on Nov. 16 plans for bringing back more students, if coronavirus metrics allow.

"It has always been our intention for every child to have the opportunity to return to school this year," he said. "Our (high school) seniors this year, we have to figure out a way to get our seniors into school. That pains me (that they are not)."

Zrike allowed that as the district pushes to bring students back to the classroom at the rate it sees fit, there will be push back for all sides. He added that if Salem enters the "high risk" category, according to state data, decisions on whether to continue in-classroom learning or go back to fully remote learning will be made in conjunction with health officials.

"Some people want us to open more school and some people think we're crazy for opening any school," he said. "We will not compromise on safety.

"We're living in a roller coaster," he concluded. "But right now we're still planning to open schools as planned."

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'In Salem It Is Safe To Return To School': Superintendent