Barnsdall Public Schools announced on Friday that two staff members have received positive test results for COVID-19.

Superintendent Jeff Lay said several staff members were in close contact of the infected staff members during their first two days of professional development on August 5th and 6th.  He said the staff members, who have received positive test results, have not been at school and have quarantined since developing symptoms earlier in the week, and their buildings have been thoroughly disinfected.

As a result of this announcement and the fact that Barnsdall has a smaller staff, classes will not begin on Monday, August 17th. Superintendent Lay said he is delaying the first day of school until Monday, August 24th.  He said he knows this causes great inconvenience for many families, and he cannot express how sorrowful he is to be forced to make this decision.

These decisions were not made alone or lightly.  Superintendent Lay said he is in constant contact with the Osage County Health Department, which gives him great guidance that is medically sound. He said it is his first priority to keep your children safe and healthy while at school.