Two local elementary school districts have collaborated to make COVID-19 antibody, antigen and PCR testing available on site for students, teachers, staff and community partners.
Butler Elementary District 53 in Oak Brook and Gower Elementary District 62, which has schools in Willowbrook and Burr Ridge, began in August to investigate testing options, develop protocols and begin pilot testing.
“We’ve wanted to be as proactive with this as possible,” said Butler Superintendent Paul O’Malley. “To me, there’s a huge value with this in giving a pathway to everyone feeling safe. It gives us more data to work with.”
O’Malley discussed the idea of on-site testing with Gower Superintendent Victor Simon, both of whom were interested in making testing options available to go with the in-person learning taking place in both districts. Butler District 53 and Gower District 62 both have received Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments licenses to administer tests to teachers, staff, students and community partners.
Butler District 53 moved to full-day, in-person learning during the second week of September. Gower District 62 did the same after Labor Day. Both districts continue to offer remote learning as an option.
“We understand the importance of being able to identify COVID-19 infections quickly in an effort to help control the spread of the virus,” Simon said. “We see our effort as something that we could do to be a part of a more comprehensive solution and to continue to take steps forward during a challenging time.”
Both districts are administering Rapid Antibody (finger stick) and Rapid Response Antigen (nasal swab) on-site, with healthcare professionals making appointments and coordinating testing services. The PCR testing is being handled through a third party.
O’Malley said DuPage County is paying for the antigen tests, school insurance for the PCR and the schools are paying the bill for antibody testing. Anyone who tests positive will follow all guidelines established by the Department of Public Health and seek a follow up with a primary care physician.
No one is required to take any of the available tests, which have started with offerings to staff, followed by teachers and students, respectively, O’Malley said. Workers offering contracted services in the schools also will be offered testing options. O’Malley said tests also have been offered to the Oak Brook Park District and the village.
“We want to keep it away from schools as much as possible,” O’Malley said.