Numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in Warren County Schools are reflecting the downward turn the rest of the county is experiencing.

“I’m thrilled to be able to say there are only four students and two staff members isolated this week. That is down considerably,” said Director of Schools Grant Swallows before schools dismissed for Fall Break, which is this Monday through Friday.

“When you consider that there are almost 6,100 students, to have only four that have been identified as positive and to be isolated we’re very pleased with that.”

The School Board voted in its September meeting to return to school full time on Oct. 12 in a traditional setting Monday through Thursday and learning remotely on Friday.

“I’ve had a few questions as to why we were continuing to learn remotely on Friday,” said Swallows. 

“A couple of those reasons exist simply because we want to make sure that we continue to operate in the remote environment in case there were to be some reason to return to that environment, it’s important that our students and our teachers continue this practice and be ready for it,” Swallows said.

Swallows also pointed out that with the large number of students in VIP@Home, teachers are having to teach students in the classroom setting as well as instructing via virtual learning so Fridays are crucial to give teachers time to communicate, correspond and catch up on Fridays.

“As important to me as anything is that it gives us a three-day weekend to make sure that we’re cleaning our facilities, making sure they air out properly, and do all the things it takes to continue to keep our buildings clean and safe as well as our students and staff safe,” said Swallows.