Superintendent Message – April 2022
Although the past two years have all been a challenge beyond expectation, the staff of the Board remain collectively resilient. As noted in a past superintendent update, the pandemic and our resulting response has revealed opportunities to employ new technology platforms that supported the Board to continue to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of those we serve. I am grateful to have caring, compassionate staff who are passionate about the work they do on a daily basis. They are the reason the Board has been able to navigate through the pandemic successfully.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its guidance regarding the requirement to wear masks indoors. Due to this, the Board has transitioned from completely remote services to more in-person services and our school and office locations now follow a “mask friendly” policy.
“Mask friendly” means that staff, individuals served, parents and others visiting our facilities should feel comfortable making the decision to wear a mask depending upon their individual circumstances. If staff or individuals have compromising health conditions or other reasons to wear masks, we will encourage them to feel safe and be respectful of individual decisions. We will continue to have masks available at the entrance of all facilities and continue to encourage everyone to follow current safety protocols, including maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently, getting vaccinated, not coming to our facilities if displaying symptoms, testing if displaying symptoms, maintaining sanitization practices and maintaining other standard universal precautions.
We will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation moving forward. If case counts increase again in Trumbull County and we receive updated guidance from the CDC or Health Department, we will be responsive. Masks may again be required in the future.
Throughout 2022, we look forward to once again having in-person community events such as Family Night with the Scrappers, the 24th Annual Fairhaven Golf Classic, the Journey of Hope visit, and our first annual Ability Walk and Roll. Please look for more information about these events on our website, social media, and through email.
Finally, the Trumbull County Board will be on the ballot for the November general election to renew a 1.5% mill levy. This funding supports the work we do through our early intervention program, preschool and Fairhaven School, transportation services, case management services, and community employment program. With this funding, the Board is able to provide services to over 1200 children, families, and individuals throughout Trumbull County.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued support during this unprecedented time.
Ed Stark
Superintendent
[email protected]