After months of research and planning, Butler School District 53 and Gower School District 62 announced COVID-19 antibody, antigen and PCR testing has been available on-site within the school districts. Both districts received CLIA licenses to administer tests to teachers and staff, students, and community partners. The districts have collaborated since August to investigate testing options, develop testing protocols, and begin pilot testing groups with much success.
"We are proud of Butler SD 53's commitment to innovation, the health and safety of our staff, students, and their families, and the significant strides our community has made to support in-person learning. Offering testing to our faculty and staff, as well as our students is a great benefit to the physical well-being of our district community," said Dr. Paul O'Malley, Superintendent of Schools, Butler School District 53.
Recognizing the lack of availability of testing options as well as the importance of in-person learning opportunities for students, Districts 53 and 62 pioneered the coordinated effort to develop testing protocols and internal administration for the physical health and safety of students and staff while keeping buildings open. Testing options further solidifies the districts' commitment to in-person learning, while also providing remote learning options for families who choose.
"We understand the importance of being able to identify COVID-19 infections quickly in an effort to help control the spread of the virus. We see our effort as something that we could do to be a part of a more comprehensive solution and to continue to take steps forward during a challenging time. Gower is utilizing rapid testing, carried out by our staff, to maintain the safety of our buildings, focus on continuity of in-person instruction, and offer an opportunity to our school community when testing availability is in short supply and our healthcare system is at its limit.", said Dr. Victor Simon III, Superintendent of Schools, Gower School District 62.
The districts are administering Rapid Antibody (fingerstick) and Rapid Response Antigen (nasal swab) on-site with dedicated healthcare professionals making appointments and coordinating testing services. Likewise, the districts offer PCR testing through a third party that is provided by the districts where Individuals with positive results will follow all guidelines established by the Illinois Department of Public Health and seek follow up with primary care physicians.
Butler School District 53 began the school year with a modified half-day hybrid schedule for in-person and remote learning, transitioning to full-day in-person learning during the second week of September. Similarly, Gower School District 62 began the school year with in-person learning following the district's "Smart Start" schedule for hybrid learning on August 21st and shifted to full-day in-person instruction after Labor Day. Both districts have followed and implemented guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education, Centers for Disease Control, DuPage County Health Department and other federal and local health agencies.
About Butler School District 53
Butler School District 53 is an acclaimed school district in Oak Brook, Illinois and is a contributor to ISBE Considerations for Closing the 2019-20 School Year & Summer 2020 in May 2020, IDPH and ISBE Updated Summer School and Other Allowable Activities in June 2020, and IDPH and ISBE Joint Guidance Transition to In-Person Learning Plan published in June 2020. The district serves students at Brook Forest (grades K-5) and Butler Junior High (grades 6-8) as well as a preschool in partnership with the Oak Brook Park District.
About Gower School District 62
Gower School District 62 is an Illinois State Board of Education Peer Learning Partner and a contributor to the state’s Joint Guidance Transition to In-Person Learning Plan published in June. The district is committed to fully developing each child as an engaged learner and as an active, caring citizen in a safe, respectful environment. It serves students at Gower West (grades K-4) and Gower Middle School (grades 5-8) in Willowbrook and Burr Ridge, Illinois.