As many of you have already seen, Carlsbad Municipal Schools has activated its “Enhanced COVID Protocols” procedure for most of its schools, including the high school and both middle schools. This limits the number of spectators at sporting events to 20 percent of the capacity, which is 400 people at the high school gym. This decision was based on the COVID-19 case count and percentage of student enrollment who has tested positive. The school is also reviewing its current and previous protocols to see what else has to be done. This will be monitored again on Jan. 31. COVID-19 positives have remained high in Eddy County and across the state. There were 127 positives reported for Eddy County in Wednesday’s update, for example, 216 for Lea County and 285 for Chaves County.
Eddy County is receiving a portion of the home COVID-19 tests that the state is in the process of distributing. A plan for the distribution of these tests is being developed. Home tests from the federal government, for those who want them, can also be ordered through www.covidtests.gov.
While it is good that people who want access to these home tests have a way of obtaining them, home tests generally cannot be used to validate a return to school or the workplace. We know our schools and employers are all looking for a way to address that bottleneck.
There is also a state initiative encouraging state workers and National Guard members to volunteer to become licensed as substitute teachers, in order to help with the extreme teacher shortage. Currently, around 60 school districts and charter schools across the state have moved into remote learning, while 75 child care centers have partially or completely closed due to staffing shortages.
What it all boils down to is that our schools are still facing an incredible number of unique challenges every single day. Please support the teachers, students and school administrators in your life in any way possible.
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SENMC Update: Dr. Ned Elkins has been elected the chairman of our college’s new board of directors and Tiffany Frintz has been elected secretary during Tuesday’s first meeting. These are excellent selections and we look forward to working with the board in the future.
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Also on a positive note, the Carlsbad Cavemen and Cavegirls begin district play this upcoming week in basketball. The Cavemen have a 15-3 record, while the Cavegirls have a 14-4 record. Both brackets are expected to be extremely challenging. District play begins against Clovis on Jan. 25. Best of luck to the Cavemen and Cavegirls.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway