Mask Mandate Update
On November 12, 2020, Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Health changed quarantining protocols for school districts. Under the revised guidelines, when students are exposed to a positive COVID case and both parties are wearing masks, the health department will only require the positive case to isolate. All students, properly masked, within close contact will be allowed to remain at school and self-monitor for symptoms.
Following Governor Parsons’ announcement of the revised quarantining protocols our school board reviewed the guidelines. It was clear that in order for the local health department to use the new quarantine guidelines, a district must have a mask mandate in place. After careful consideration, the board approved the implementation of a mask mandate for students in junior high and high school which began on Monday, November 30, 2020.
The mask policy requires masks to be worn by junior high and high school students in classrooms, commons areas, restrooms, hallways, on buses and anywhere outside where students are within 6 feet of each other. Students, in any class such as band or physical education or eating in the cafeteria where wearing a mask is not possible will be subjected to the former quarantine protocols if exposed during those times.
At the January meeting, the school board reviewed the student COVID quarantine data. Since the implementation of the mask requirement, more than 300 students have been allowed to remain in school while on a COVID-19 quarantine after exposure to a COVID positive individual. Considering the positive impact to such a large number of students, the school board voted to continue the mask mandate as established in November. As with every decision, this was made seeking the best solution to keep students, staff, and families safe while providing a quality education.
The school board will continue to closely monitor the impact of COVID and communicate any future revisions of current protocols or procedures to students, staff and parents as soon as possible.