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School-Based Testing & Funding
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment was awarded a federal cooperative agreement to implement the Kansas K-12 Stay Positive Test Negative Initiative (PDF), which provides school districts with the funding and resources to design and implement a Covid-19 testing strategy to reduce outbreaks, keep schools and school-affiliated summer camps open, minimize absenteeism, and reduce stress.
Regular testing, in addition to COVID-19 vaccination, physical distancing, and proper mask wearing when community transmission levels are high, is a safe, effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open for in-person learning.
Public Health continues to recommend quarantine and isolation measures as well. While Public Health has transitioned away from investigating every case and contacting everyone potentially exposed, this remains an effective strategy for preventing COVID-19. Schools should continue to implement layered prevention strategies like diagnostic testing, Test-to-Stay strategies, and universal indoor masking when COVID-19 Cases in Kansas or CDC COVID-19 Community Levels are high.
K-12 Project Specialist Contacts
The K-12 project specialists will provide hands-on support for the development of budgets and implementation plans. Find the project specialist (PDF) serving your district.
Questions?
Contact your Project Specialist or one of the K-12 Program Managers.
Kaitlin Ivey, kaitlin.ivey@ks.gov, 816-399-9306
Daleen Loest, daleen.loest@ks.gov, 913-201-1596
Questions after hours?
Contact the Epi Hotline at 877-427-7317
- Grant Application & Support
- K-12 School Guidance
- Air Quality, Ventilation, & Resources
- Summer Camp Guidance
K-12 Testing Initiative Enrollment & Resources
Kansas Grants Management System (KGMS)
Ready to apply? Reach out to your project specialist (PDF) to request a login for the Kansas Grant Management System to begin your application
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Waiver
To start an on-site testing program at your school you must apply for a CLIA Waiver. Visit CMS.gov's How to Obtain a CLIA Certificate of Waiver (PDF).
Testing Information
- Standing Order for COVID & Flu Testing in Schools 6-21-2023 (PDF)
- Test Kit Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Find the latest expiration date status for your test kits:
Testing Reporting Instructions & Resources
- LabXchange reporting database. For instructions, use the LabXchange User Guide (PDF)
- Kansas Online Reportable Disease System (KORDS). For instructions, use the KORDS User Guide (PDF) and KORDS Bulk Upload Template User Guide (PDF)
- Memo on OTC Tests Not Being Reportable to Public Health (PDF)
Customizable Templates
Guidance for K-12 Schools
Federal funding is available through KDHE for the 2022-2023 school year to pay for staffing, supplies, equipment, and other resources needed for COVID-19 school testing programs. Learn more: COVID-19 School Guidance - Updated 9-12-22 (PDF).
Indoor Air Quality Research
Ventilation
- KDHE Expanded Funding Allowance for Ventilation Improvements 7-6-22 (PDF)
- CDC Guidance for Ventilation in Schools
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Filtration & Disinfection Guidance
Resources
Printing and Publication Resources
- Find additional resources to print and share in the Publications section
Kansas Covid-19 Resources
- For more information on COVID data in Kansas, visit the Kansas Covid-19 Dashboard
- To find testing near you, visit the COVID-19 Testing Site Map of Kansas
- Kansas Classroom Handbook of Communicable Diseases (PDF))
Vaccinations
Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Guidance & Enrollment for Summer Camp
The K-12 Testing funding is also available for summer camp programs. Learn more: KDHE Summer Camp COVID-19 Testing Guidance (PDF).
For questions or to enroll in a testing program, email Kim Boucher or call 316-243-8364.