(Atlantic) Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber reported the number of students wearing masks has declined around 30-percent, while many of the staff are still seen wearing them.
Barber speaking at the Atlantic School board meeting on Wednesday says the standard for the PK-5 building were encouraged to wear masks when social distancing cannot occur. He says recently, both principals observed the number of students wearing masks was around 10-percent, while many staff members are wearing masks in hallways and when they are out of their bubbles.
Three weeks ago Governor Reynolds changed how to quarantine for those individuals who were deemed close contacts to a positive case. When both the positive case and the close contacts to a positive case were wearing masks, the close contact doesn’t have to quarantine. The idea is to keep non-infected students in school. Some schools are now requiring and even mandating masks following the state’s policy change.
Atlantic School Superintendent Steve Barber says when it comes to the Governor’s new policy two things come to mind. One is transportation.
Barber says wearing of face coverings will allow students to actively participate in applied science classes, without having to stay six-feet apart.
Barber feels the districts mitigation strategies are good and have reduced the spread. Although the district has experienced some cases they’ve avoided a large break out in a building and the district.
School board member Nick Hunt (pictured) says he would be in favor of mandating masks to keep the students in school.
School Board President Josh McLaren is not in favor of mandating face coverings.
Christy Pellett, and Jenny Williams didn’t appear to be in favor of one. Laura McLean spoke in favor of a mask mandate.
The issue could be placed as a discussion item at a future board meeting.
