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.

K-12 Project Specialist District Map

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

  1. Grant Application & Support
  2. K-12 School Guidance
  3. Air Quality, Ventilation, & Resources
  4. 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

 Testing Reporting Instructions & Resources

 Customizable Templates