8420.01 - EPIDEMICS AND PANDEMICS

Epidemics and pandemics, although related, are different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an epidemic as "an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in that area," and a pandemic as "an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people." To address epidemics and pandemics, the Superintendent shall develop an Epidemic/Pandemic Plan in coordination with local government and law enforcement officials. The Epidemic/Pandemic Plan may be developed in accordance with the plan developed pursuant to Policy 8405 - Environmental Health and Safety Program. District administration is granted authority to take appropriate action as required in any instance where the District's plan does not cover the particular situation being addressed, and the urgency of the situation dictates the necessity for immediate decisive action.

The Epidemic/Pandemic Plan should include:

1. a communication method for school schedule changes, busing changes, and school closures;
2. provision for the business office to maintain continuity of operations during an epidemic or pandemic;
3. provision for distance-based learning for students (i.e., Internet instruction, community channel broadcast) to maintain continuity of education;
4. procedures for staff and student absences and extended leaves of absence due to an epidemic or pandemic;
5. a plan for operating the District with less staff due to an epidemic or pandemic.

The Epidemic/Pandemic Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as appropriate.

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