By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough Southborough – The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough Superintendent Greg Martineau and District Wellness Coordinator Mary Ellen Duggan, MEd, BSN, RN discussed future COVID-19 testing at the Jan. 6 Northborough School Committee meeting.
The deadline to use the federal CARES Act funding issued to towns was extended from Dec. 30 through June. Martineau will continue to partner with the towns to continue weekly staff testing and to expand it to all students.
There are restrictions on how the CARES Act funding can be expended, but testing is an accepted option.
“We are close to making a decision which is exciting,” said Martineau. “This is another part of our mitigation efforts. Testing was always one of those layers we wanted to add.”
“At one point we thought we were going to have to fundraise to implement this testing,” said Martineau. “The great news is that is no longer an obstacle.”
The extended time to expend those funds gives the District peace of mind both on a financial side and health side.
“It would be great to have that one added layer of protection and security to know that you have the students tested and the staff screened,” said Duggan.
Details will be shared with families in the upcoming weeks.
