Springfield Local School District
2960 Sanitarium Road
Akron, OH 44312
November 9, 2007
Dear Springfield Local Schools Parents:
I am writing to inform you that it has been confirmed by the Summit County Health Department that one high school student in the Springfield Local Schools system has contracted MRSA, which stands for a staph infection. This student is in Akron Children’s Hospital for treatment.
I know you join me in keeping this student and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
The safety and wellbeing of your children is of utmost importance to me and my staff. We have been in constant contact with the Summit County Health Department to ensure that we are following the proper procedures once a student is found to have a contagious disease. We have been assured by health department officials that our schools are following proper protocols.
Last week, when we first learned that this student could potentially have a staph infection, we immediately took measures to disinfect and sterilize our gym equipment, weight room and locker rooms over and above the daily cleaning they already receive. We will continue to clean all equipment and rooms daily.
The health department shared some recommendations that could help all of us prevent the spread of disease. They suggest washing your hands frequently, covering open lesions and refraining from sharing personal items are the best defenses against any communicable diseases. For more information about staph infection, please visit www.cdc.gov.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. You may reach me at 330-798-1111 ext. 5002.
Sincerely,
William Stauffer
Superintendent
Springfield Local Schools