DCPS approves new contract to continue offering rapid COVID-19 tests to teachers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — COVID-19 cases are rising in DCPS, according to Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, who presented in the school board’s meeting Monday night.

“We are now in ‘high’ with 1,434 cases per 100,000 as well as a rolling positivity rate of 34.5,” Greene said in the meeting.

To help combat the issue, board members approved a new contract with Bernhardt Laboratories to continue giving rapid tests to teachers.

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The contract shows that DCPS has used the service in the past and that the tests will not exceed $250,000. The contract also shows that the funds come from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund under Florida’s American Rescue Plan.

“We need all the testing we can get,” Elwood Thompson, a teacher at Terry Parker High School said. “Testing is necessary. It’s not a panic thing, it’s a realistic thing, so I like the idea and I commend the district.”

Additionally, Thompson feels more needs to be done and he thinks it should start with mask requirements for students again.

“Masks would be wonderful. A statewide, ‘OK, you’re in school, wear a mask,’” he said.

Thompson says about three-quarters of his students voluntarily wear masks in school.

Meanwhile, Greene is hoping COVID cases will decline soon, and the district can go back to normal, according to her letter.

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DCPS is offering vaccinations for all eligible employees and students. Clinic hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the following locations:

• Ed White High School – Auditorium
• Sandalwood High School – Cafeteria
• Highlands Middle School – Cafeteria
• LaVilla School of the Arts – Theater

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