Chilton ISD struck by Coronavirus

Chilton ISD was forced to switch to virtual learning for the week of Oct. 12 due to a coronavirus outbreak within the district. 

Officials notified the community on Thursday, Oct. 8, that a male varsity athlete had come up positive for coronavirus. After initial contact tracing, administration decided that it would be in the students’ and staff’s best interest to transition to virtual instruction. 

On Oct. 9, the district reported having a total of nine cases, while awaiting pending results from additional testing.

“Though we are seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases impacting the Chilton ISD, our contact tracing efforts have shown that the majority of cases are originating outside of school,” stated Superintendent Brandon Hubbard in a letter to the district. “We urge our students and families to engage in safe practices when traveling throughout the community.”

Football activities were immediately suspended when the initial test came back. The student had been at football practice on Monday and Tuesday evenings, as well as on campus on Wednesday, Oct. 7. 

“Our teachers, students and student athletes have worked hard to ensure a safe start to the 2020-2021 school year,” the administrator asserted. “We want to give them the best opportunity at continuing.” 

While students are out of the classroom, Chilton ISD will be working to install the new Ecoloxtech 240 Hypochlorous Acid machine and foggers in each classroom. This will ensure proper sanitation of surfaces handled by many people.

“We will continue to work to improve air purification technology in each classroom to further mitigate and prevent the transmission and spread of pathogens within our school environment,” said Hubbard. “Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this situation.”

For up to date information on Chilton ISD, head to www.chiltonisd.org. Superintendent Hubbard can be reached at bhubbard@chiltonisd.org for any questions.