The ESSER III - American Rescue Plan (ARP) statute requires that school districts develop and make publicly available plans for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. This plan must be updated periodically.

The most recent update of the plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on August 29, 2022.  During the summer of 2022, BISD conducted a review of the plan which included:

• Administrative meetings during the summer of 2022
• A stakeholder survey was conducted during the summer of 2022
• A public meeting on August 29, 2022
• Approval by the Board of Trustees on August 29, 2022
• Additional review by staff and students at Baird ISD

A summary of the Baird ISD plan follows.

Effective Date of Plan

This plan is effective as of September 1, 2022

Ongoing Review

Prior to the beginning of each semester, the district will review the plan in consultation with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state, and local governments.  If revisions are required, public input will be solicited and the plan will be revised, with the new version of the plan posted to the district website. 

Instructional Settings

Baird ISD will offer in-person instruction for the 2022 – 2023 school year.  Remote instruction will not be offered.

Reducing Risk of Exposure to Health Hazards

Systems and Procedures

• The district will not require students or staff to wear masks.  If a student or staff person wishes to wear a mask, that personal decision will be honored and respected.
• For large indoor events, the district will not recommend or mandate masks.  Special accommodations will be available to individuals who need to wear masks for medical reasons.
• The district will not engage in contract tracing.
• The district will not enforce social distancing among the students or staff.
• The district recommends that students and staff follow the recommendations of their healthcare providers regarding vaccinations, but will not require vaccinations of students, staff, or visitors.  No staff member will inquire about vaccination status unless required by law.
• The district will continue to implement COVID recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Currently, the CDC recommends that COVID-19-positive persons isolate for 5 days before returning to school.
• Buses and classrooms will continue to be sanitized daily.
• Visitors will be allowed on campus this year.  Security protocols require that visitors check in at the office and receive a visitor permit prior to entering instructional areas.
• Food deliveries to the campuses will be suspended.
• Hand sanitizers are available throughout campus facilities.

Facilities Upgrades

• The district has installed ionic filters on all air conditioning equipment in the district to mitigate the spread of viruses and other airborne contaminants.
• The district has installed modified water fountains that allow students and staff to fill personal water bottles.

Meeting Student Academic Needs

The district has added an in-day tutorial period to address student learning loss over the past two years. 

• The district has modified athletic practice schedules to permit more time after school for tutoring.
• To better identify learning gaps in mathematics and reading, as well as customize learning interventions to individual students, the district has implemented an adaptive testing program.
• The district has implemented new tools to enhance student engagement and provide targeted, skills-based practice in math and reading.
• The district has implemented an after-school enrichment program at the elementary campus.
• The high school campus has expanded dual-credit offerings. 
• The high school has added a dual-credit welding certification program.

Meeting Student Emotional Needs

• The district has added an administrative position to take on duties formerly performed by the school counselor, allowing more time for student emotional counseling.
• The district has implemented programs to address the following mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse concerns: mental health promotion and early intervention; building skills to manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and engage in responsible decision-making; substance abuse prevention and intervention; suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (interventions after a suicide in a community); grief, trauma, and trauma-informed care; positive behavior interventions and supports; positive youth development; and safe, supportive, and positive school climates.