The Kosciusko and Attala County school boards approved lifting some mask rules during recent meetings, reverting each district’s reopening plan to its original language.
Following a surge of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in August, both districts updated their reopening plan, mandating the wearing of masks by all employees and students inside school buildings. Now, with case numbers decreasing, local school districts are moving away from the mandate.
ACSD
Before the school year began, ACSD’s reopening plan originally stated that fully vaccinated students, staff members, and teachers were not required to wear masks indoors, but it was highly encouraged. Additionally, unvaccinated teachers and staff were required to always wear masks during the school day and while working with students.
Since COVID-19 numbers throughout the district have significantly decreased over time, the county school board felt it was time to adjust the reopening plan back to its original language. Masks are now highly recommended inside school buildings for all students and staff. Masks remain a requirement for unvaccinated staff inside school buildings and for drivers and students on buses.
“Since last month, you have seen numbers across the state that have plummeted. They’re reporting less than 500 cases from the weekend. So, at this time, I’m recommending that we go back to our original verbiage of masks being highly recommended,” Hammond told the board. “Once again, we will say that if numbers go back, if things change, then we will come back, revisit it, and go back to masks being required. But, at this time, I think from what we're seeing with our numbers and talking with local doctors and doctors across the state, they feel comfortable with us going back to this verbiage also.”
KSD
The Kosciusko School Board approved lifting the district’s mask requirement during its Monday night meeting. In the Kosciusko School District, masks are now highly recommended inside school buildings and buses for all students and staff.
Superintendent Billy Ellzey said the reduction in COVID-19 numbers paired with high vaccination rates of district staff made the change doable.
“After seeing a significant reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks coupled with the high vaccination rate of our staff, we feel it is safe to move away from the mask mandate in our schools,” said Ellzey. “We still highly encourage unvaccinated individuals to wear masks, and we will continue to have a high standard of cleanliness in our schools to aid in the prevention of all diseases.”
