CLK School District students will be required to wear masks when school opens this fall, after all.
At a special meeting last night, the Board of Education reversed its earlier decision to leave masks optional.
Superintendent Christopher Davidson summarized the changes…
“The face coverings will be required for grades Junior King through first at all common areas and on the bus. Face coverings will be required for grades two through 12 at all times and on the bus. Face covering will be required for all staff at all times. Face coverings will not be required for staff and students while eating, outside, or while social distancing.”
Davidson said the reconsideration was prompted by community comments, along with safety concerns expressed by district employees, and complaints that had been made to MIOSHA.
Teacher Deb Butler said educators have an obligation to make in-person instruction available to as many students as possible…
“For students whose immune systems are compromised, they don’t have a choice, and I am legally and morally obligated to offer them education in a face to face setting.”
Teacher Matt Laho had a different view…
“Please know that, for every vocal teacher demanding masks, there is also a teacher on the sidelines wanting to advocate for student family choice, reluctant to speak up due to the backlash they will receive from colleagues and community members.”
12th-grader Gracia Perala asked the board to make sure that as many of her classmates could attend class as possible…
“I know a lot of people who are immuno-compromised who want to learn. They should not be not able to learn just because of that. If you don’t want to wear the mask, then choose to go online.”
In the end, the board decided to land on the side of caution. Board member Jason Wickstrom…
“I’m all for starting the school year with everything tighter, to see what happens.”
Board member Phyllis Locatelli…
“It’s probably best to start tight and loosen up, rather than go the other way around and try to tighten up later.”
The revision passed, with one dissenting vote.
The board also accepted the retirement of science teacher Darrell Hendrickson, which will take effect at the end of the month.
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