Catholic schools opt for 'local decision' on COVID precautions

Posted at 4 p.m. on July 28, 2021

The Brillion News

GREEN BAY – Todd Blahnik, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Green Bay reiterated that health-related guidelines are in place for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

He said that all Catholic Schools will be open and providing in-person education for students, as they were in the 2020-2021 school year.

At this time the wearing of masks will be at the discretion of the school or parent.

“With 54 schools from Antigo to Oshkosh, it is impossible for us to create one set of standards that all schools must follow,” Blahnik said. “We know data can change from county to county, and we are relying on the good judgement of our administrators and parents when it comes to providing a safe environment for staff and students.”

The Office of Catholic Schools is asking that all schools adhere to the minimum requirements provided by the CDC. These include keeping a child home when they are sick, promoting hand washing and covering a cough or sneeze, daily cleaning and disinfection of common surfaces, and providing information on where to obtain a COVID vaccination to any staff or parent that requests it.

Catholic schools would also be required to follow all local ordinances and state and federal law should any be issued.