(Atlantic) Face Coverings is one of the items at Wednesday’s School Board meeting, where the Atlantic School Board is expected to discuss and take action on the district’s guidelines for the use of face coverings.
The School Board first implemented a temporary face mask policy on October 23 and extended it on November 18, December 9, and December 16.
Atlantic Schools Superintendent Steve Barber recommends extending the mask mandate when social distancing cannot occur for the remainder of the school year.
Barber noted in the board packet that it had benefited the district by not having to quarantine individuals who have been determined to have close contact with both parties wearing masks given the guidelines on mask mandates. He says this has also helped with some of the consistency for teachers.
Barber says the Washington Elementary building is not designed for social distancing, and both students and staff are required to wear masks more frequently than the other buildings.
Barber says the Governor continues to require masks in public places. He says it appears that COVID will be with us for some time; although having some vaccinations is encouraging, he thinks it would help to stay with the face mask policy for the remainder of the school year.
