The Kenton County School District sent out a letter to parents Wednesday morning which said they would allow parents to opt their children out of COVID-19 testing with a written permission slip if the district begins to test students.
The letter said the testing will being implemented across district if the county reaches the "critical phase" of community transmission. Only 10% of students selected at random between the second and 12th grades would be tested weekly under the plan. Athletes and other students in moderate or high-risk sports within the district would be subjected to additional testing.
The district said the testing will help determine if schools within the district need to be closed, and it will help keep other students and staff healthy and safe. The testing will be paid for by the school district.
"While it is our expectation that everyone participate in this testing program, we recognize that some staff/parents/guardians do not want to participate in this program," the letter said. It goes on to say that people may opt out of testing or back in at any time.
Once the results are back, the number of positive test results will be displayed on the district's online dashboard, but those who tested positive will not be identified. Information about positive cases, though, including the name of the person who tested positive as well as their age and gender, will be shared with the Kentucky Health Department.
The full letter and opt-out form can be viewed below.
