NYS Cluster Action Initiative’s impact on school districts

Dear Schuylerville families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday next week, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind families of the importance of continuing to adhere to state and local guidelines regarding masks, social gatherings and social distancing, all of which are important both inside and outside of school buildings. School is in session next week Monday, Nov. 23 and Tuesday, Nov. 24.

NYS Cluster Action Initiative

The NYS Cluster Action Initiative was announced via an executive order by Governor Cuomo, which, based upon cases of COVID-19, designates certain areas in need of enhanced public health restrictions. Areas are designated by a red, orange, and yellow color system.

For Saratoga County to enter into a yellow zone, the geographic area must have:

  • A 7-day rolling average positivity above 3% for 10 days  

AND

  • 12 or more new daily cases per 100,000 residents on a 7-day average. 

Click here for more information from NYS on geographic areas and zones.

Testing

If our region were to be designated as a “yellow zone” under this initiative, the Department of Health requires that schools that wish to remain open must immediately begin a bi-weekly testing program, testing 20% of its in-person population (inclusive of students, staff/faculty). The Schuylerville Central School District is committed to remaining open for in-person learning. At this time, we are working with our District Physician, Dr. Robert Nielson, to see if it is possible to partner with a medical lab that can provide the testing necessary for us to meet the 20% requirement. If this is not possible, we will be required to go fully remote per the state while in a yellow zone. It is important to reiterate that we are not in a yellow zone at this time. Click here for the current positivity rate for zones, broken out by county. 

As we continue to receive more information on the state’s cluster action initiative or the district’s ability to test, it will be communicated. We wish you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.