Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Covid Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Blackstone-Millville panel requires PCR tests for returning travelers, approves COVID handbook and calendar change
Summary
The Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee voted March 25 to require a negative PCR test for staff or students returning from out-of-state travel before they come back to school, approved COVID-handbook updates (three-foot minimum distancing) and moved a makeup day to May 28 to end the year June 18.
The Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee voted on March 25 to require a negative PCR test for any staff member or student returning from out-of-state travel before resuming in-person school or work.
Erin, who moved the measure during a lengthy discussion about the state travel advisory, framed the policy as an added layer of safety rather than a punishment. "I would ask folks to not look at this as a punishment ... it's an insulation and a safety strategy," she said during debate. The committee debated logistics — including whether the district would accept rapid tests and how to mark students who wait for results — and settled on the stricter PCR requirement. The motion passed by voice vote.
The committee agreed to support families and staff who need help arranging tests; officials said students awaiting test results would be marked virtually present and provided schoolwork through Google Classroom so they do not lose attendance.
Separately, the board approved proposed edits to the district COVID handbook. The handbook language was updated to reflect a minimum classroom distancing standard of three feet ("ideally six feet" where possible) and to note that fully vaccinated individuals who remain symptom-free do not need to quarantine after a known exposure, consistent with DPH/CDC guidance cited in the draft. Karen Vernon walked the committee through the specific handbook changes before the board approved the revisions.
The committee also approved a calendar adjustment to move a June 21 makeup day to Friday, May 28 so the school year can end on Friday, June 18. The board confirmed the change had the required union approvals.
Superintendent Jason DeFalco and staff said other reopening logistics — transportation routes, seating protocols on buses and classroom layouts — are in place for an imminent phased return of students. District leaders emphasized the policy is meant to minimize disruptions and keep as many students in person as feasible.
The committee said the PCR requirement will be in effect for the period specified in the motion (through at least the end of the school year as discussed at the meeting) and that administrators will provide testing assistance for staff and families who request it.
