December 3, 2021

Monday, November 29, the DCSD Board of Directors met to discuss the local availability of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11. Based on information from local public health and community healthcare providers, the board set the date when the current PK-6 mask mandate will end: December 27, 2021.

When staff and students return from break Monday, January 3, 2022, mask wearing will be a personal choice for all staff and students. The District continues to encourage vaccination for all eligible staff and students, appropriate mask-wearing aligned to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for K-12 Schools, good hand-hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick.

District COVID-19 Active Positive Cases

  • Total number of students and staff in isolation (currently positive) for COVID-19: fourteen (14)
  • Current district facilities with known positive cases: John Cline Elementary, Carrie Lee Elementary, Decorah Middle School, Decorah High School

Cumulative Total Positive Student COVID-19 Case Comparative Data

November 29, 2020 – 27 Total Cases

  • WSECC – < 6
  • JCE – < 6
  • CLE – < 6
  • DMS – < 6
  • DHS – 20

November 29, 2021– 78 Total Cases

  • WSECC – 0
  • JCE – 19
  • CLE – 14
  • DMS – 31
  • DHS – 14

DCSD reports COVID-19 data in alignment with the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health. The full guidance can be found at the link below.

IDPH Information Sharing Guidance for Schools and Local Public Health

Bus Drivers Needed

Decorah Schools has an immediate need for school bus route drivers, activities drivers, and substitute drivers. Drivers need to have an appropriate CDL license or a willingness to obtain the appropriate license. Bus route pay rates vary by the length of the trip, and the compensation for other bussing needs is $16.75 per hour. Those interested can visit the district website or call 563-382-4208 for more information about joining the Decorah Schools transportation team.

In his weekly message to families, Superintendent Mark Lane spoke of the upcoming winter months.  Lane shared, “We continue to have wonderful weather, but we know we are entering the time of year when inclement weather occurs. Please make sure you and your student(s) know your family plans if we experience a delay, early dismissal, or closure due to weather. Hopefully, the need for weather-related adjustments is minimal this year, but it is good to be prepared.”