Black Hawk County School Leaders Issue Statement on COVID-19 Numbers

The leaders of the eight public and private school districts in Black Hawk County have released the following joint statement:

As many in our community are aware, Black Hawk County has been experiencing rapid increases in its COVID-19 positivity rate and the number of confirmed cases recently. As the leaders of our local schools and districts, we are all working closely with the Black Hawk County Health Department to determine the best path forward for our students, staff and families.

We recognize that Black Hawk County has reached a positivity rate of 20 percent, the point at which school districts may seek approval from the state of Iowa to shift to full online learning for a temporary period. This is an option we will continue to monitor and explore as we move forward. 

It is worth noting that while the county is seeing a high positivity rate, our schools are not experiencing a similar increase at this time. For the most part, our districts' absentee rates—especially those related to COVID-19—are remaining steady. 

We ask our community members, parents, staff and students to be diligent and follow all health and safety protocols inside and outside of school. Our schools all require face coverings when social distancing is not possible during the school day. Please wash your hands frequently and encourage students to do the same.

This is a critical time in our community—one in which we all must do our part to protect the health and wellbeing of others. By working together, we can give ourselves the best chance possible at continuing with in-person teaching and learning without significant disruptions. Please join us in these efforts.

This statement has been released by the following school and district leaders:

• Travis Fleshner, Union Community School District

• Brian L’Heureux, Valley Lutheran School

• Lynette Hackett, St. Patrick Catholic School

• Jane Lindaman, Waterloo Community Schools

• Thomas Novotney, Cedar Valley Catholic Schools

• Andy Pattee, Cedar Falls Community School District

• Justin Stockdale, Dike-New Hartford Community School District

• Anthony Voss, Hudson Community School District

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