When should schools close?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - When should schools close because of flu-like illness?

Some West Michigan health departments recommend closing when the illness hits a set threshold -- in Kent County, the department recommends closure after 25 percent illness among students and staff, a spokeswoman told 24 Hour News 8. The Calhoun County Public Health Department recommends closure when the percentage of students reporting flu-like illness hits 30, department officials said.

The medical director for the Kalamazoo and Allegan health departments said he does not have a set threshold, saying the decision is left to superintendents. Unlike, for example, Legionnaires' Disease, Dr. Richard Tooker said, the flu-like illness presents more of a decision about interrupting education than about the threat to public health. That comment was echoed by Dr. Robert Schirmer, medical director for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department.

In Ottawa County, where there is also not a set percentage that triggers a closure recommendation, the department recommends that the decision consider "the number and severity of cases in an outbreak, the risks of flu spread and benefits of dismissal" and " the problems that school dismissal can cause for families and communities."

And schools may want to consider the students attending a given school, Ottawa health spokeswoman Shannon Felgner told 24 Hour News 8. "For example, a school for pregnant teens may choose to dismiss sooner because of the risk factors for its population."

So what are schools' policies?

Most districts -- including West Michigan's largest, Grand Rapids Public Schools -- reported to 24 Hour News 8 they rely on health department recommendations.

Two districts -- Hastings Public Schools and South Haven Public Schools use a threshold, superintendents said. Hastings will look into closing a school after 25 percent of students become ill, Superintendent Richard Satterlee said.

South Haven, which drew up a policy specifically for H1N1, has an absence mark of 25 to 30 percent, Superintendent Bob Black said. And before illness would approach the 30 percent level, he said, administrators would be in contact with the health department.

Here's what individual districts had to say. 24 Hour News 8 will post more results as they arrive.

----

ALLENDALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "We have a policy regarding communicable diseases but the decision to close a school is left to the discretion of the administration based on the circumstances. This flu season would not alter this policy," Superintendent Dan Jonker said.

COMSTOCK PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "We do not currently have a written policy, but are communicating closely with neighboring districts and the Kent County Health Department, sharing information and using similar guidelines. We are closely watching building attendance rates and ascertaining reasons for students' absences. Student safety is of the utmost importance and whether it is flu-like symptoms or another illness, we will make decisions on school closure based on the best interests of the students," Superintendent Ethan Ebenstein said.

COOPERSVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "We do not have a hard-and-fast rule or policy about closing schools for illness. A decision to close would be made based on individual circumstances after we consult with the health department," Superintendent Kevin O'Neill said.

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "Our policy is to follow the lead and take our cue from the Kent County Health Department. This is what we have done in the past and what we will continue to do in the future," spokesman John Helmholdt said.

HASTINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "We utilize the 25 percent rule. If we have a building or the district surpasses 25 percent ill, we look into the possibility of closing school," Satterlee said.

OAKRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "(Our district) does not have a specific board policy on school cancellation related to illess. We cooperate extensively with the Muskegon County Health Department on recommendations related to any illness of public concern. For example, when MRSA was heavily covered in the media, recommendations on whether to close schools changed as more was discovered about MRSA and its implications on our students. Oakridge adapted to such recommendations accordingly and communicated directly with our community. We will do the same with this bout of H1N1, keeping the safety and health of our staff and students of utmost priority. Right now, we are promoting the everyday actions to stay healthy and protect ourselves from the flu as communicated from this Web site," Superintendent Tom Livezey said.

PORTAGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "We're working with the County Health and they advise on proper protocols for when to close," spokesman Tom Vance said.

SOUTH HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "The South Haven Public Schools developed a policy specifically for the H1N1 flu. In preparation of the warning that this type of flu could be widespread, the school has set an absence mark of 25 to 30 percent. Before we would approach the 30 percent (mark), the school district would be in contact with the Van Buren Health Department for guidance. We did not set an absent mark for staff (we should have)," Black said.

SPRING LAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: "Spring Lake is not developing a new policy with regard to this issue. We will monitor our situation closely and communicate with the Ottawa County Health Department as needed. With several months of the flu season yet to come, it seems likely to me that our treatment of this circumstance will evolve," Superintendent Dennis Furton said.