1.1 Santa Barbara Unified has established communication with local and State authorities to determine current disease levels and control measures in your community by regularly consulting metrics on the SBPH website.  We will regularly review reports from the governor and the state superintendent of public instruction. We will communicate regularly with the Santa Barbara County Public Health (SBPH) education liaison, the County Superintendent of Schools, and other leaders from districts around the county.

1.2 SB Unified will limit nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations with people who are not fully vaccinated, particularly in areas where there is moderate-to-high Covid-19 community transmission.  

1.3 Santa Barbara Unified will follow the guidance for school closures as required by Santa Barbara Public Health.  

1.4 Students with functional and access needs that put them at a greater risk will be given specific supports according to their needs.  A student's case manager will consult with the school nurse and administration to continue to adjust plans as necessary.  When extreme, a Section 504 Plan may be written to further protect a student's health.

2.1.         Portable handwashing stations are available at school sites. Schedules and processes for handwashing will be reviewed with students at each school site so as to minimize the congregating of students and staff in restrooms. As appropriate, classroom sinks may be utilized, with teachers or other staff disinfecting high touch areas such as faucets and handles.

2.2.         Students will wash or sanitize their hands 1) before entering the

classroom, 2) before and after lunch, 3) before and after recess, 4) before and after entering an internal space that is not their classroom, 5) after sneezing, touching their face, coughing, or other similar actions, 6) after using the restroom and 7) throughout the day.

2.3.         Students and staff members will be given cloth face coverings and face shields. The district will follow guidance from the CDPH as it pertains to the use of face coverings. Staff will also be provided additional PPE, including N95 masks, when directed by state or federal officials.

2.3.1.         All students, staff, and visitors will be required to use face coverings when indoors, except when eating or drinking. The wearing of masks outdoors is optional.

2.3.2.         Students will be reminded regularly through various methods (videos, teachers, signs, presentations) to wear face coverings when indoors except when eating or drinking.

2.3.3.         Staff or students who have medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering must provide a copy of the district’s Mask Exemptions Form signed by a physician.

2.3.4.         Staff or students who receive a medical exemption from wearing face coverings will be required to follow additional safety mitigation strategies as determined by Santa Barbara County Public Health. This includes but is not necessarily limited to the wearing of a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, so long as their condition permits it.

2.4         Office staff will utilize appropriate caution when interacting with the public.

2.5         When direct contact with the public is required indoors, plexiglass shields, face coverings, face shields, and gloves will be utilized according to the conditions of the interchange.

3.1.         It is not required, however to the greatest extent possible, teachers and other school personnel are encouraged to create situations where students have their own materials and supplies.

3.1.1.         Classrooms and other campus spaces will generally be cleaned once a day, as this usually meets the requirements for removing potential viruses that may be on surfaces. This includes frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, sink handles, restroom surfaces, student desks, chairs, and tables.

3.1.2.         Employees are responsible for keeping their workstations clean and disinfected (keyboards, phones, desks.)

3.2.         Our district contracts with Student Transportations of America (STA) for bus services in grades TK-6. STA will clean and disinfect between routes and as needed when students are present on the bus. After transporting a student who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 the bus will be cleaned.

3.3          When choosing cleaning products after an in-school COVID-19 case has been identified, the district will use those approved for use against COVID-19 on the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA)-approved list “N” and follow product instructions.

3.3.1           To reduce the risk of asthma and other health effects related to disinfection, the district will select disinfectant products on list with asthma-safer ingredients (hydrogen peroxide, citric acid or lactic acid) as recommended by the US EPA Design for Environment program.

3.3.2           The district will avoid products that contain peroxyacetic (peracetic) acid, sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or quaternary ammonium compounds, which can cause asthmatic attacks.

3.3.3           The district will follow label directions for appropriate dilution rates and contact times. Provide workers training on the chemical hazards, manufacturer’s directions, Cal/OSHA requirements for safe use, and as applicable and as required by the Healthy Schools Act.

3.3.4          Our custodial staff and any other workers who clean and disinfect the school site will be equipped with proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection, and other appropriate protective equipment as required by the product instructions. All products must be kept out of the reach of children and stored in a space with restricted access.

3.3.5             We have established a cleaning schedule in order to avoid both under- and over-use of cleaning products.

3.2.1.         Santa Barbara Unified Custodial Services Supervisor approves all cleaning products in use at Santa Barbara Unified and ensures that they all meet the requirements of the EPA. Staff in charge of cleaning are properly trained and certified when necessary to safely use the cleaning products.

3.3.         Santa Barbara Unified ensures safe and correct application of disinfectant and will keep products away from students.

3.3.1.         All facilities workers will receive appropriate training from the district's Custodial Services Supervisor. These trainings will include in-person training and online modules as appropriate. Storage of these materials are in areas that are secured and off-limits to students.

3.4.         Santa Barbara Unified will ensure proper ventilation during cleaning and disinfecting. It is our practice to introduce fresh outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors whenever possible. When disinfecting takes place spaces will be aired out prior to student arrival. Disinfection will take place when students are not present.

3.4.1.         Proper precautions will be taken when using specialized equipment and all manufacturer precautions will be taken to protect our facilities workers, students, and staff members.

3.10           Santa Barbara Unified has conducted an inspection of all HVAC systems to ensure that filters have a MERV value of at least 8 and to maximize the exchange of air flow from outdoors to inside spaces.

3.11           Santa Barbara Unified has ensured that that all water systems and features are safe to use after the COVID-19 shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.

3.11.1         Refillable water stations and other potable water systems were run before the opening of school to ensure their safe usage.

3.11.2         Drinking fountains will not be accessible to students, staff, or the public. Only refillable water stations will be operational for general use.

3.11.3         A check of our water systems is conducted each year with all tests conducted in 2020-21 showing safe drinking water for our facilities.

3.11.4          Goleta Water District and the City of Santa Barbara run regular tests of drinking water for safety.

4.1        To the greatest extent possible outdoor spaces will be utilized with students and staff having the option to wear masks.

4.2          Activities where there is increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled aerosols such as band and choir practice and performances are permitted outdoors only, and precautions such as physical distancing and use of face coverings will be enforced. This document will be updated when CDPH releases new guidelines.

5.1           Visitors, including family members will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours.

 

6.1                Use of non-classroom space for instruction, including regular use of outdoor space, weather permitting.

6.1.1                  Tents will remain on campuses to guarantee the regular use of outdoor spaces.

6.2                Meals will be eaten outdoors instead of in cafeterias as much as possible in order to limit the exchange of aerosols.

7.1            All staff will be re-trained and we will provide updated educational materials to families in the following safety actions:

• Enhanced sanitation practices
• Use of face coverings
• Screening Practices
• Testing Protocols
• COVID-19 specific symptom identification

7.2            Information will be provided to all staff and families in the school community on proper use, removal and washing of cloth face coverings.

8.1            Santa Barbara Unified will prioritize the prevention of discrimination related to the wearing of masks, vaccination status, or positive COVID-19 cases.

8.1.1.                Any claims of discrimination will be investigated per Board Policy

5145.3                Non-Discrimination and Harassment

8.2               Active reminders will go to staff and students who are sick or who have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 to stay home.

8.2.1                  Signage is posted at the entrance to each school instructing individuals who are sick or who have had close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual to not enter the building. They will be instructed to call the campus office where someone will assist them.

8.2.2                  Daily Symptom Screening processes will continue for students and staff.The tools utilized during these screenings instruct those who have been in contact with an infected individual and/or are exhibiting symptoms themselves to stay home and consult a medical professional.

8.3                Screening and other procedures for all staff and students entering the facility includes:

•  Visual wellness checks of all students.
• Passive screening of all staff daily.
• Document/track incidents of possible exposure and notify local health officials, staff and families immediately of any positive case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality.
•  If a student is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, staff will communicate with the parent/caregiver and refer to the student’s health history form and/or emergency card to identify if the student has a history of allergies.

8.3.1                  The district will utilize Standard School Entry Method through the use of the SafetyiPass electronic screening and validation process that asks parents and staff members to respond to questions related to exposure to and symptoms of COVID-19.

8.3.2                  Students and staff will not be allowed to enter campus unless iPass deems them eligible for an electronic "Entry" badge. District and school staff will utilize Safety iPass to document/track incidents of possible exposure. Those who do not complete iPass before coming to campus or a district office will be required to engage in a screening protocol before going into the work site.

8.4                Staff and students are monitored throughout the day for signs of illness; Supervisors will isolate and/or send home students and staff with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough or other COVID-19 symptoms.

8.4.1                  Teachers and other staff who recognize symptoms of COVID-19 in themselves or students will notify their supervisor who will direct them to the identified isolation room.

8.4.2                  Staff who can leave the workplace on their own will be sent home immediately. Those who cannot will stay in the isolation room until a friend or family member picks them up. Students will remain in isolation until a family member is able to retrieve them.

8.5          Policies will not penalize students and families for missing class for COVID-19 related reasons.

8.5.1            Students will be allowed to make up or waive assignments missed as a result of their own illness, quarantine, or that of a family member.

9.1            All school sites and the district office have identified an isolation room to separate anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.

9.2           Any student or staff exhibiting symptoms will immediately be required to wear a face covering and to wait in an isolation area until they can be transported home or to a healthcare facility.

9.3           Each school site and the district office has established procedures to arrange for safe transport home or to a healthcare facility, as appropriate, when an individual is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

9.4           If a student, staff member, or visitor experiences a medical emergency related to COVID-19, 911 will be called immediately.

9.5             A Covid-19 test will be offered to staff and students who exhibit symptoms while on campus.

9.6             Classrooms, workspaces, and isolation rooms occupied by sick individuals will be cleaned and disinfected before subsequent use according to CDC guidance.

9.7             Sick staff members and students will be advised not to return until they have met SBPHD criteria to discontinue home isolation.

9.7.1                  Staff and students who are ill are required to meet the standards set in the Santa Barbara Protocols for Symptoms, Potential Exposure and/or Close Contact document from Santa Barbara County Health Department before returning to a school campus or district workplace.

9.7.2                  Before returning to campus all staff and families will be provided with written instructions on what to do if they suspect or confirm that they or someone they have been in close contact with is/are/were COVID-19 positive.

9.8                Students, including students with disabilities, will have access to instruction when out of class for Covid-19 related reasons.

9.8.1                  Independent Study be an option for students grades TK-12 who prefer not to attend school in-person.

10.1             Staff absenteeism is monitored so that trained back-up staff are available when needed.  Other staff may telework when appropriate.

10.2             School Nurses monitor the types of illnesses and symptoms among students and staff to help isolate them promptly to avoid contagion spread.

10.2.1              The Safety iPass App will allow District and site personnel to track, isolate,and monitor illnesses daily. This data will be reported to SBPHD when three or more cases from separate families occur in the school in a 14-day period. When this occurs the personnel will contact the Santa Barbara County Disease Control and Prevention Program. SBPHD will determine whether or not a school should be closed.

10.3             The Assistant Superintendent of Student Services is the liaison responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns from the public at-large. Principals serve in this capacity for the individual school campuses, consulting with School Nurses, HR, and Student Services as appropriate.

10.4             The iPass app allows staff and families to self-report symptoms and receive notifications of exposures and closures, while maintaining confidentiality.

10.5             SB Unified will test staff and students in accordance with CDPH guidelines, adjusting protocols in response to active community cases.

10.5.1               As recommended or required by the state or federal government, students and staff will be regularly tested.

10.5.2              All unvaccinated staff and students will be tested on a regular basis.

10.5.3              All students and staff who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a positive case will be offered a test free of charge.

10.6             Staff and students who are at higher risk for severe illness or who cannot safely distance from household contacts at higher risk will be provided accommodations during COVID-19.

10.6.1              Student Services, and Human Resources will be the primary divisions responsible for providing this support.

 

 

8.             Considerations for Partial or Total Closures

11.1                On a daily basis Santa Barbara Unified monitors state and local orders and health department notices for information regarding closures and adjustment of operations.

11.2         When a student, teacher or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others at the school, the district will implement the following steps:

●      The local public health department will advise the principal and the Superintendent’s Covid Task Force, who will decide whether school closure is warranted, including the length of time necessary, based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the Santa Barbara Public Health Department.

●      Standard guidance will be given for isolation at home after close contact, for those in the classroom or office where the patient was based. These spaces will typically need to close temporarily as students or staff isolate. Distance learning may be implemented if classes are closed.

●      Additional close contacts at school outside of a classroom will also be given direction to quarantine at home.

●      Additional areas of the school visited by the COVID-19 positive individual may also need to be closed temporarily.

●      Communication plans for school closure - and subsequent reopening - will include outreach to students, parents, teachers, staff and the community.

●      Communication protocols are in place for providing regular updates, such as Superintendent Maldonado’s weekly messages to

 

families and staff.

●      Staff will be provided information regarding labor laws, information regarding Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave and Unemployment Insurance, as applicable for public local educational agencies.

●      The district will provide guidance to parents, teachers and staff reminding them of the importance of community physical distancing measures while a classroom or school is closed.

●      Students will be provided with continuity of education during closure.

●      Regular communications will be maintained with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.

 

11.1                On a daily basis Santa Barbara Unified monitors state and local orders and health department notices for information regarding closures and adjustment of operations.

11.2         When a student, teacher or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others at the school, the district will implement the following steps:

•  The local public health department will advise the principal and the Superintendent’s Covid Task Force, who will decide whether school closure is warranted, including the length of time necessary, based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the Santa Barbara Public Health Department.
• Standard guidance will be given for isolation at home after close contact, for those in the classroom or office where the patient was based. These spaces will typically need to close temporarily as students or staff isolate. Distance learning may be implemented if classes are closed.
• Additional close contacts at school outside of a classroom will also be given direction to quarantine at home.
•  Additional areas of the school visited by the COVID-19 positive individual may also need to be closed temporarily.
• Communication plans for school closure - and subsequent reopening - will include outreach to students, parents, teachers, staff and the community.
• Communication protocols are in place for providing regular updates, such as Superintendent Maldonado’s weekly messages to families and staff.
• Staff will be provided information regarding labor laws, information regarding Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave and Unemployment Insurance, as applicable for public local educational agencies.
• The district will provide guidance to parents, teachers and staff reminding them of the importance of community physical distancing measures while a classroom or school is closed.
• Students will be provided with continuity of education during closure.
• Regular communications will be maintained with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.