Despite severe thunderstorms and a loss of power during its August 10 meeting, the Board of Education approved the District's Return to Learn Plan with a few modifications.
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The Board of Education approved three learning choice options for families with students who are under the age of 12 and unable to receive the COVID vaccine. Families with students in 4K-6th grades can choose between a mask-required classroom, mask-recommended classroom, and a virtual classroom (no 4K virtual option). Any preference must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 15. This year's virtual option is a semester-long commitment and will be re-evaluated should a vaccine become widely available for students under the age of 12.
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Masks are strongly recommended, but not required, for all students in 4K-6th grade mask-recommended classrooms, and all students in grades 7-12. Any staff member who engages with 4K-6th grade students in mask-required classrooms must wear a mask. For all other staff members, masks are strongly recommended. Recent CDC guidelines recommend masks be worn by all people in a school, including those who are fully vaccinated. Federal regulations still mandate the use of masks while on busses, and the district will continue to follow federal, state and county health department regulations.
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The Board of Education has also directed District Administration to establish thresholds that would guide any change to an approach with masking. These thresholds, and any corresponding action, would require Board approval.
All other Return to Learn Plan details were adopted as presented. 4K-6th Grade families will be prompted to declare their learning choice preference beginning Wednesday, August 11.