KARNS CITY — The first day of classes Wednesday in the Karns City Area School District was hailed a success with students and staff following COVID-19 mask wearing and social distancing guidelines.

Superintendent Eric Ritzert said about 85 percent of 1,325 students in grades kindergarten through 12 attended classes in person and 15 percent participated in the district's virtual instruction program.

“By all accounts, it was successful. We had a good turnout of students and staff. It's nice to see the students back in the school buildings,” Ritzert said.

Students and staff are required to wear masks or face shields while they are on buses and in school.

“The vast majority of people have been compliant and that's greatly appreciated. They may not want to, but it's beneficial they at least try,” he said.

Districtwide water quality testing done July 31 found only one location with higher than acceptable lead levels — a soup kettle in Chicora Elementary School.

The kettle is rarely, if ever, used, and has been taken out of service. Ritzert said the kettle might not be needed, but it won't be used unless the problem is corrected.

All water fountains are open, but only for filling water bottles. As a coronavirus precaution, students will not being able to drink from the fountains.

The district told parents that students can bring refillable water bottles to school.

Water at the high school is now being provided by the Petroleum Valley Regional Water Authority, which took over from the previous supplier.

Ritzert said the new water system was flushed and tested over the summer.

In addition, the school board has rescheduled a meeting to discuss district facilities, including the possible closure of Sugar Creek Elementary School, to 6 p.m. Sept. 21.

The board hasn't yet decided if the meeting will be held in-person or virtually.