Bering Strait School District

March 31, 2023

Note to Districts 

Districts may use the sample template below as a framework for the information to be included in their ARP Act Mitigation Plan. Districts are not required to follow this sample template or framework, but if they include all of the items listed below, they will have incorporated the information required by section 2001(i)(1) of the ARP Act.

Contact Information

District Information

Name of District: Bering Strait School District  

District Point of Contact Name: Susan R. Nedza

Address (Street, City, State, Zip): PO Box 225, Unalakleet, AK 99684

Phone: 907-624-3611 Fax: 907-624-3099 Email: susan.nedza@bssd.org

Assurance Agreement for ARP Act Mitigation Plan

The district assures either:  

1. It will, within 30 days of receiving ARP ESSER funds, develop and make publicly available on the district’s website a mitigation plan for the safe return and/or continuation of in-person instruction and continuity of services as required in section 2001(i)(1) of the ARP and in the U.S. Department of Education’s Interim Final Requirements, or  

2. It developed and made publicly available on the district’s website such a mitigation plan that meets statutory requirements before the enactment of the ARP Act that meets -federal requirements. (The ARP Act was enacted on March 11, 2021)   

The district assures that:

1. It will periodically review and revise its mitigation plan, as appropriate, no less frequently than every six months for the duration of the ARP ESSER grant period (i.e., through September 30, 2023); and 

2. It will seek public input, and take such input into account, on (1) whether revisions are necessary and, if so, (2) the proposed revisions to the mitigation plan. 

Before making the mitigation plan publicly available, the district must seek public comment on the mitigation plan and take such comments into account in the development of the plan. 

Name of Superintendent: Susan R. Nedza

Signature: Susan R. Nedza

Date: 08/22/2022

Mitigation Plan

Plan Components

Districts must implement, to the greatest extent practicable, prevention and mitigation policies in line with the most up-to-date guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the reopening and operation of school facilities to effectively maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff. Describe the extent to which the district adopted policies and a description of such policies on each of the strategies listed below:

1. Masks

Masks use will follow CDC guidelines. Individuals may always choose to wear a mask if they prefer.

2. Physical distancing (e.g., including use of cohorts/pods)

CDC guidelines will be followed. Currently CDC no longer recommends cohorts or specific distancing but instead recommends considering physical distancing in light of local levels and specific circumstances.

3. Handwashing and respiratory etiquette

All classrooms and common areas will always have hand washing items available. Students and staff shall use hand sanitizer in all areas where hand washing is not available. Students and staff shall always practice safe self-hygiene.

4. Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation

All classrooms shall be sanitized throughout the day and after all activities involving students and staff. Sanitizing with air sprayers shall occur at the end of every day. Site maintenance staff shall follow district policies and procedures for maintaining cleaning of school common areas and after events.

5. Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the State, local, territorial, or Tribal health departments

All schools will maintain a symptom-free environment throughout the school year. Students and staff that are sick or show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should remain home. All staff and students shall follow their local travel mandates and follow NSHC guidance throughout the pandemic. Contact tracing is no longer recommended by CDC except in very specific instances.

6. Diagnostic and screening testing

All staff and students are encouraged to test when they or their medical contacts feel it is appropriate.

7. Efforts to provide vaccinations to educators, other staff, and students, if eligible

All staff and students are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

8. Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to the health and safety policies  

All students receiving accommodations as a result of a valid IEP or 504 plan shall continue to receive the appropriate services throughout the pandemic.

Continuity of Services

Describe how the district will ensure continuity of services including, but not limited to, services to address students’ academic needs, as well as the social, emotional, mental health, and other needs of students and staff (e.g., student health and food service).

Periodic Review

Describe how the district will periodically review and revise its mitigation plan, as appropriate, including a description of how the district will seek public input and take such input into account on (1) whether revisions are necessary and, if so, (2) the proposed revisions to the plan. Important Note:  The district must review its mitigation plan no less frequently than every six months for the duration of the ARP ESSER grant period (i.e., through September 30, 2023).

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