Presentation on Operational Protocols for 2021-22
On Tuesday, August 3, Superintendent W. Burke Royster presented to the Board of Trustees in a public meeting general plans and protocols to address the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic. That presentation is available on this page for the public to review.
In addition to the information included in this document, Dr. Royster indicated he will request from the Board an extension of the existing COVID-19 leave that provides 80 hours of paid leave to any employee who is forced to quarantine or isolate due to the COVID-19 pandemic requirements as determined by DHEC. Currently, that leave is set to expire at the end of August. In response to board member questions, he reiterated the high quality of the HVAC fresh air exchange systems in our facilities, which provide a complete turnover of air an average of three times per hour. He also reminded those listening and in attendance that all plans and responses related to COVID-19 are subject to change with changing conditions. Finally, he assured board members that GCS will not tolerate employees or students being bullied or harassed for their personal decisions related to masking and/or vaccinations (whether for or against).