Should school employees be designated as essential workers? That was a discussion that was addressed during the Marshall School Board meeting on Tuesday. The board received a letter from the Saline County Health Department asking them to wait to make that determination until a work group or committee of individuals from the school and the community could advise them on the plan.

Superintendent Dr. Carol Maher explains what it means when someone is classified as an “essential worker”.

Dr. Maher explains why the board made the decision not to deem the staff as essential workers at this time.

Dr. Maher continued by saying that she believes it is her job, and the job of the administration to keep the students and staff safe. She says she can’t support allowing individuals who have been in close contact to return to school before the 10-14 days.

Dr. Maher said if she is presented with evidence and research that tells her otherwise, she is certainly ready and able to work with that status. The next school board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20 at the Spainhower Building at 700 E. Slater St.