Bedford County Board discusses student sports amid rising COVID-19 cases

In a recent Special Called School Board Meeting held by Bedford County Public Schools, the board members engaged in a critical discussion regarding the safety of inter-school athletic competitions amid rising COVID-19 cases. The meeting, which took place on December 17, 2020, highlighted the tension between the desire to resume sports and the imperative to prioritize student health and academic learning.

The board's primary focus was on the implications of a 42% increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the county since their last meeting. Dr. Hicks, a board member, emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe learning environment, stating that introducing athletic competitions could jeopardize in-person learning. He urged the community to adhere to recommended safety measures, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, to allow for a safe return to sports.

In contrast, other board members raised concerns about the reality of student athletes participating in travel sports outside of school. They cited statistics from local youth sports organizations, indicating that despite the ongoing pandemic, many students were actively engaged in sports with minimal reported COVID-19 cases. One member pointed out that out of 850 participants in a local youth sports league, only two positive cases were reported, suggesting that sports could be conducted safely.

The discussion also touched on the metrics used to assess the COVID-19 situation in the community. Board members debated the significance of the reported positivity rates, with some arguing that the numbers could be misleading without context regarding the total number of tests conducted. They acknowledged that while the overall positivity rate for Bedford County was 1.2%, this figure included a wide demographic, not solely students and staff.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced the challenge of balancing the desire for athletic competition with the need to protect the health of students and staff. The discussions underscored the ongoing complexities of navigating educational and extracurricular activities during the pandemic. The board's next steps will likely involve continued monitoring of COVID-19 trends and further deliberation on the safe resumption of sports in the coming months.