By Beacon Staff
When Burlington students return to school Aug. 24, they will be required to wear masks — except when they are six feet away from other people.
The Burlington School Board approved the second and final reading of board policy 903.8 (which partially mandates masks Monday night (Aug. 10) with a 4-3 vote. School board member Darven Kendell expressed concern that the policy is too vague concerning when students have to wear their masks, which is why he voted against it. Board president Dean Vickstorm and board vice-president Tom Courtney also voted against the policy.
The policy was passed in time to go into effect before new teachers began orientation and preparation on Wednesday (Aug. 12). The policy does not require masks at sporting events, but the school board recommends them.
The policy reads (in part) as follows:
“All staff and students are required to wear a shield and/or mask in any area outside of a classroom where social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained during the school day. In classrooms, masks are required if social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained. Masks are required of students on all school buses where social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained.
Non-medical-grade face masks are encouraged to be worn by all individuals on school grounds, including students, employees, and volunteers throughout the entirety of the day or visit. Masks will be provided to individuals who request them or you may bring your own mask.
Face masks should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or who is unconscious, anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face mask without assistance.”
In addition to masks, other planned mitigation strategies include:
• Hand sanitizer in all classrooms and common areas and explicit teaching of handwashing and hygiene.
• Water fountains will be turned off and students must use individual water bottles or disposable cups.
• A hybrid A/B Day schedule to limit class size and bus occupancy, allowing for social distancing in the classroom.
• Keeping the same groups of students together to limit the mixing of groups.
• Limiting visitors to school buildings.
• Modified arrival/dismissal, lunch, and hallway routines to limit hallway congestion.