Lower Merion Schools Mulling COVID Safety Changes

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — As coronavirus numbers continue to dwindle in the region, the Lower Merion School District said it is discussing relaxing some of its health safety protocols.

In a letter to district families, Superintendent Khalid Mumin said the district's Health and Safety Team had begun talks regarding off-ramps from the current mitigation protocols.

While no specifics were announced in the letter, Mumin said the team is working to determine a policy in which masks are recommended or encouraged rather than mandated in district buildings.

"Changing our current masking protocols requires a measured approach," he said. "Our community members have many different viewpoints, which the District's Health and Safety Team must consider."

Mumin said additional details will be shared at Tuesday's board meeting.

As spring approaches, Mumin said the district is hoping for a more "normal" end of year, such as hosting proms, graduations, Junior Olympics, and other year-end events

"We are making these plans knowing that a new variant, other change in the public health conditions or operational challenges could impact the plans," Mumin said.

Additionally, the district will only notify staff and families in an impacted grade if there is evidence of in-school transmission or an outbreak (two or more linked cases) in a class, grade or activity rather than notifying the entire district community, going forward.

"Collectively, we (administrators, teachers, staff, students and families) are all anxious to return to our pre-pandemic 'normal,'" Mumin said. "Certainly, the availability of vaccines is an important step in getting us there. But as a school district committed to meeting the needs of all students, we must recognize that we have both students and staff who are immunocompromised. We also have a significant number of students, especially in elementary schools, who are not yet vaccinated. And while we hope none of those children who may become infected will become seriously ill, we have to consider the health of the adults who teach and work with them as well."

See the full letter here.