The Powell school board may decide today (Tuesday) whether to apply for a variance that would make mask-wearing voluntary instead of mandatory in the district’s buildings.
Park County School District 1 recently surveyed students and parents for their thoughts on seeking a variance.
“At some levels, this [requiring masks] is becoming a challenge to the point of distraction from the instructional environment,” wrote superintendent Jay Curtis.
He went on to point out the risks of getting a variance include the possibility that students could miss events like prom, athletic activities, kindergarten circus or graduation.
The results of the survey — along with discussions that Curtis had with area health officials — will be brought to the full board of trustees at its 6 p.m. meeting so the body can decide whether to seek a waiver from the state public health order.
Multiple school districts around the state have sought and obtained such variances from State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist.
Park County School District 6 in Cody obtained a variance on Friday, making mask use voluntary in classrooms as of Monday morning. The mandate remains in place for buses due to federal rules, and the same restrictions remain in place at sporting events and concerts.
Park County Health Officer Dr. Aaron Billin, who signed off on the Cody district’s request, said Sunday that the efficacy of masks in slowing the spread of COVID-19 has been well-documented and that he has not seen any scientific evidence of the coverings causing harm.
However, “because mask mandates are a trade-off with personal freedom, they are appropriate when the risk is substantial and no longer appropriate when the risk is no longer substantial,” Billin wrote on Facebook. “Obviously, the risk can change with time and depends on continued voluntary mask use when appropriate social distancing is not likely or possible, staying home when you are sick, hand washing and the emergence of variants.”
The Cody school board voted to pursue a variance after conducting a survey that found 78% of the public and 72% of staff supported asking for a variance. In a letter to health officials last week, Superintendent Peg Monteith said the district had zero COVID-19 cases in its schools over the prior six weeks.
She added that, “We would be foolish if we believed that our families and students are diligent about mask-wearing outside of schools; especially our high school students.”
The district said it’s reserving the right to reinstate masks if case numbers tick back up, while it’s also “prepared to accommodate students and staff who choose not to attend school without public health precautions.”
With masks now voluntary in Cody classrooms, the district is asking students, staff and parents to “be respectful of the choices others make regarding face coverings.”
Another survey circulated by the Powell school district, which was available to only high school students and parents, aimed to determine whether there was sufficient interest among students to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at Powell High School.
“We were approached by public health to see if we would be interested in hosting a clinic for students 16 years old and older,” said Jay Curtis, superintendent of Park County School District 1. “The first thing we did was send out a survey to see if there was interest among parents and students.”
In a letter sent to parents, Principal Tim Wormald stressed that both the survey and the shots are fully voluntary. About 40 replied they would take advantage of the vaccine clinic if it were available. “With 40 interested, that seemed like enough to hold a clinic,” Curtis said.
In conjunction with Park County Public Health, a clinic has since been scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday at the PHS Commons for students 16 and up who want the Pfizer vaccine and have permission from parents.
Similar shot clinics for educators and staff were held in Powell schools early in the vaccines’ availability, as state officials determined them to be a high priority group.
"board" - Google News
April 27, 2021 at 09:25PM
https://ift.tt/32Qckty
Powell school board to consider seeking mask variance - Powell Tribune
"board" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2KWL1EQ
https://ift.tt/2YrjQdq
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Powell school board to consider seeking mask variance - Powell Tribune"
Post a Comment