Schools mandate face coverings at least through Oct. 7

The Canton School Committee reluctantly voted 4-1 on August 12 to mandate face masks inside all public school buildings at least until October 7. At that time the board will revisit the policy and consider changes. The policy is in effect for all students, staff, visitors and school bus passengers.

Individuals can be excused from the requirement if the individual has trouble breathing, is unconscious, is incapacitated, or cannot remove the face covering without assistance. Additionally, face masks will not be required for anyone who has a medical, behavioral or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a face mask or covering. A written note from a physician is required for the requested exemption. According to the policy, parents/guardians alone may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement.

Face coverings will not be required during mask breaks, while eating or drinking, during physical education classes or while outside.

Face coverings are to be provided by the student’s family. The district will supply disposable masks to those who enter a school building or board school transportation without one.

The committee arrived at its decision after consultation with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), state Department of Public Health, Canton Board of Health, Canton School Physician Dr. Daniel Muse and CPS Nurse Leader Lauren Pushard. The latest guidance from DESE “strongly” recommends face coverings for students in kindergarten through grade 6 and for unvaccinated students and staff, although districts are free to adopt their own policies.

Interim School Superintendent Derek Folan recommended the masking policy for CPS, noting, “It is in the best interest of all students.” He noted there were no COVID cases in the Canton summer programs where students wore face masks indoors and is confident and hopeful with the protocols and practices initiated last year (open windows, outdoor classes, ventilators, etc.) that the schools will have a successful opening. Pushard added that COVID pool testing using nasal and saliva swabs will be expanded this year.

Folan said at this time there is no way of knowing “who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.”

Committee members felt they are being hindered this year since the state is not allowing any remote learning programs. The two exceptions are for students who are home schooled and those who are enrolled in a state-controlled tech collaborative program.

School Committee Chair Kristian Merenda said that in her mind, those under 12 years old have no vaccine option and state education officials “have no plan B.”

Committee member Maureen Moran noted, “The state is tying our hands. We are between a rock and a hard place. No one is happy about this.” Moran’s comment was also echoed by committee member Kendall O’Halloran.

Committee member Charles Rae cast the lone dissenting vote, noting, “There is no progress in sight. This thing has become politicized. I think parents should make their own decisions … I am done with masks …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Aug 20 2021. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.