April 23, 2021

Decorah Community School District is committed to providing transparent, accurate data regarding cases of isolation and/or quarantining related to COVID-19 while maintaining the confidentiality of students and staff. On September 18, the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Education released guidance to school districts and local public health agencies detailing communication of COVID-19 related data.

The Iowa Department of Public Health guidance can be found here.

Summary Positive COVID-19 

• Of approximately 290 Staff – Thirty-one (31) positive COVID-19, Thirty-one (31) recovered
• Of approximately 1575 On-site students – One hundred-twenty-two (122) positive COVID-19, One hundred-twenty (120) recovered

County and District Trend Data

The graphs below reflect county and district data taken each Tuesday and Thursday since school began.

DCSD seeks substitute teachers and para-professionals

Decorah Community School District is always looking for individuals interested in serving as substitutes for teachers and para-professionals. For those who enjoy working with children and desire a flexible work schedule, serving as a substitute is a great option. Those who may only be able to sub two or three days a week are encouraged to consider applying.

Under current Iowa Board of Educational Examiners regulations, individuals can qualify for Substitute Teacher Authorization licensure if they have earned an associate’s degree or have completed 60 hours of college coursework from a regionally accredited institution. They must also successfully complete the Substitute Authorization course offered by the Iowa AEA System.

No Iowa Board of Educational Examiners authorization or specific course work is required to serve as a substitute para-professional. Applicants should have a high school diploma and must pass a background check before working as a substitute. 

Decorah Community School District encourages anyone who meets the requirements and is interested in serving as a substitute teacher to visit the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners website to learn more about how to apply for a Substitute Authorization license. 

Required Substitute Authorization training is offered online by the Iowa AEA System.  More information and dates for upcoming training can be found at the Keystone AEA Substitute Authorization website.

Those with an interest in learning more about the new Substitute Authorization licensure regulations or about serving as a substitute teacher or para-professional can contact the District at (563) 382-4208.

In his weekly message to families, Superintendent Mark Lane shared, “While the number of students and staff needing to quarantine or isolate remains low, we did see a spike after the four-day weekend around Easter. This is a reminder that when groups of people get together, COVID-19 is more likely to spread. We continue to encourage everyone to wear a mask, wash hands frequently, practice social distancing, and if you are eligible, get vaccinated.”