Radnor Township Schools Holding Out As Delco Advised To Go Remote

RADNOR TOWNSHIP, PA — Radnor Township announced Monday it would remain in hybrid instruction, despite a state health department recommendation that Delaware County schools got to full remote learning.

Superintendent of Schools Ken Batchelor explained in a notice to parents that Radnor Township COVID-19 metrics were not as high as they are in other parts of the county. According to the Chester County Health Department, which also serves Delaware County, the Delaware County incidence rate on its Nov. 6 update was 150, up from 133 the previous week, with a positivity of 7.6 percent for the most recent seven days, up from 6.8 percent in the previous week.

"While this county data is high, the Radnor Township incidence rate as of Nov. 6 is at 41," Batchelor said Monday. Numbers are updated weekly.

On Friday the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Health recommended that Delaware County schools should move to "full remote learning until the community transmission rates return to moderate."

PDE and DOH also stated "these are recommendations, not a mandate, [and] each School District should continue to review their data and make the best decisions for their students, staff and community."

Batchelor told the district, "I'm writing to provide you an update on our current educational model in light of increased incident rates in the region and to clarify our community notification procedures in the instance of a presumed/potential positive Covid-19 case in an RTSD student or staff member."

"To date, we are encouraged to report that no cases have been reported to us as a result of in-school transmission," Batchelor said. "Our protocols are being followed and we thank every student, staff member, and all others who visit our campuses for their adherence to our protocols. Based on our experience, adherence to our protocols, and lower community spread in Radnor Township, we are confident in continuing in our hybrid delivery model (Phase 2)."

When the school district learns of a presumed or potential positive case, it follows guidance provided by the CCHD to notify the health department immediately to allow for contact tracing, which is performed internally.

Anyone is identified who's been in close contact with the potential case, the district follows CCHD procedures to alert these individuals and, if they are on our property, isolate them and ensure they report home as soon as possible, the superintendent explained.

He said the district remains prepared to move back to fully remote learning if needed, or to move out of hybrid when it is safe to do so. He called on everyone to continue compliance with safety measures to expedite a full return to classrooms.

"If we want to keep school open, and hopefully move to Phase 1 at some point, we need to follow our health and safety guidelines. Staff and students must continue to stay home when they don’t feel well. We must continue to mask and practice good hygiene. I can’t thank our community enough for your commitment to keeping our schools open," Batchelor said.