Education boss detects case drop

As much as anyone, Michael Thorsland watches the case numbers reported by the state health agency.  Last night the Oconee superintendent told the county trustees that, in recent days, he sees a downward trend in the daily number of COVID-19 cases recorded by the state DHEC.  It gives him hope that if a trend such as this continues, Oconee will be able to have as close to a normal school year as possible.  Thorsland spoke shortly after an evenly divided number from the public weighed in again on whether the district is doing enough to protect children and staff by returning to regular in-class instruction. The trustees accepted what they heard last night and did not take any votes to depart from their agreement last month that while they encourage vaccinations and mask-wearing, they won’t risk breaking state law to order such.  One measure of required facial coverings, however, is in effect.  Everyone aboard the school buses must mask up.