A Message from the Superintendent - COVID-19

December 14, 2020


The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union was notified earlier today of a positive test for COVID-19  within the Shaftsbury and Pownal Elementary School learning communities. In keeping with Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, our team took immediate steps to isolate the situation. We are working closely with local and state officials to ensure our community remains safe and healthy.


We will be cooperating with the Vermont Department of Health so they can take further steps in the contact tracing process. In addition to taking the immediate steps to isolate the individual, our trained maintenance staff will engage in a thorough sanitation process of all surfaces within the affected spaces. Both the Shaftsbury and Pownal Elementary School buildings will remain open at this time. 


These are all of the details we are permitted to release at this time. Please continue to check svsu.org and our social media accounts for the most up-to-date information. Please be assured that we continue to plan for a safe and healthy school environment by implementing best practices in alignment with guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Education. 


Stay safe and healthy,

James R. Culkeen

Superintendent of Schools