In January, the Bainbridge Island School District returned to the classroom facing the COVID-19 Omicron surge, which worried district officials who had prepared during the holiday break to keep schools open.

Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen said: “Our most pressing concern was whether we would have enough staff to keep our schools open. I am incredibly grateful for how our staff helped each other out, for our substitute staff for stepping in, and for volunteers who continued to serve. It took an organized effort to keep our schools open for in-person learning.”

As teacher absences increased during the surge, BISD managed the daily need for substitutes. Bang-Knudsen did not have to personally substitute teach for any classes in January, but helped out in other areas. “I did help with the COVID testing center, as well as conducted some contact tracing during the COVID surge.”

Bang Knudsen said the surge is declining. “We are thankfully now seeing a significant drop in COVID cases in our community.”

He said students and families did their part by monitoring symptoms and keeping students home when ill.

While January was a challenge, Bang-Knudsen has hope for spring. “We look forward to reintroducing our students to some of the community-building events that we have historically done like music concerts, team events, and maybe, even some field trips,” he said.

From Jan. 5 through Feb. 2, BISD called on substitutes to fill in for 291 certificated absences for an average 16 absences per day. Not all absences were COVID-related as substitute teachers were also called in to help cover personal leave or sick leave. Substitutes also were used to help the district facilitate its assessment process that took place in January.

About 4,180 rapid antigen tests were administered during that time, with 324 new COVID-19 cases.