Gadsden ISD implements stricter policies as COVID-19 cases rise

LAS CRUCES - Gadsden Independent School District employees on Monday received new direction from school officials, including that they all work from home if they can.

The new policies come as COVID-19 cases rise in southern New Mexico and El Paso. GISD, the fourth largest school district in the New Mexico, is in Doña Ana County and adjacent to the Texas border.

The district has reported several cases of COVID-19 in recent months and in early October, faculty member Leo Lugo died from the disease.

"The reality is that our students need us, however, we cannot begin any form of face to face instruction until the number of cases in our area declines significantly," GISD Superintendent Travis Dempsey said in an email to employees. "Our goal is to ensure we are doing everything possible to ensure all stakeholders are safe and healthy."

GISD is asking any employee who can complete their work from home to do so.

Employees who work in office-type environments or work in departments that require some level of interaction will be placed in a cohort group alternating between working from the office and working from home. 

More from GISD:Gadsden school district goes fully online following death of teacher

Any worker who is experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms; has had close contact with someone who has COVID-19-like symptoms or has been requested to quarantine; has traveled more than 100 miles from their residence; or has out-of-area visitors must report it to the district.  Those employees will not be able to report to the campus work site until cleared by a GISD nurse.

All employees are required to participate in a virtual Health and Wellness training from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. 

COVID-19 testing is available at Santa Teresa High School on Tuesdays and at Desert Pride Academy on Thursdays.

"Please keep in mind that as changes are made at a state and county level, you can expect GISD to adjust as well," Dempsey said in an email.

Student meals

The district is also changing course on meals for students. Instead of Monday-Friday service, the district will issue one weeks' worth of breakfasts and lunches beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10. 

More:Doña Ana County, near hard-hit El Paso, is New Mexico's southern COVID-19 hotspot

There will be no meal distribution the week of Nov. 2 to allow staff time to prepare for weekly meal distribution, according to GISD.

Starting the week of Nov. 16, a weeks' worth of meals will be distributed every Wednesday from 12:30 to 2 p.m.