September 15, 2021

Dear Auburn Village School Families,

Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, I have been closely monitoring the available data points related to COVID-19 transmission in the three SAU 15 communities.  The Auburn data points that are monitored include the current level of community transmission for Rockingham County, which has been at the “substantial” level for some time.  A county has a Substantial Level of Community transmission if either the new cases over the last 14 days per 100k population are greater than 100, or the test positivity rate over the last 7 days is more than 10%.

In order to get a clearer picture as to how COVID-19 is impacting Auburn residents, I also monitor several other data points which include the rate of new cases over the last 14 days (currently 39), the number of currently active cases (currently 26) and the 7 Day PCR-Antigen test positivity rate (currently 12.6%) are monitored as well.  All of these indicators are significantly higher than they were on August 5th when the Auburn School Board approved making masks be optional for all occupants of AVS.

Last evening, the Auburn School Board approved a mask requirement for everyone who enters Auburn Village School.  This requirement will go into effect starting tomorrow, Thursday September 16^th, and will be in effect through Friday September 24^th.  Masks will not be required when students are outside. I will continue to assess the situation on a weekly basis. If the 7-Day positivity rate falls below 10% and if the number of new and active cases in Auburn start to decrease, I will notify you that mask requirements will be suspended for the following week. Notification of any changes to mask requirements will be made on Fridays.

I will continue to closely monitor the situation and will make further recommendations as the data warrants.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

William J. Rearick

Superintendent of Schools

Letter to Families