East Carter, Doniphan school boards approve new policy

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East Carter R-II and Doniphan R-I students will face a change when they return to class after the Thanksgiving break.

Tuesday night, East Carter school board members approved a districtwide voluntary mask mandate during a special session.

This is the second time the conversation came up at a school board meeting. At last week’s meeting, members voted 3-3 on the issue, with one board member absent.

The special session was held so the absent member could voice his or her opinion on the issue.

This time, the motion was approved unanimously, according to Superintendent Richard Sullivan.

“We had good participation from district patrons both for and against (the policy),” he said.

The voluntary mask mandate goes into effect when the district returns from Thanksgiving on Monday.

Sullivan said the voluntary mandate means it’s strongly encouraged, but there will be no disciplinary action if a student doesn’t wear a mask. Those who don’t wear one, will be six feet from others, he added.

The policy aligns with Gov. Mike Parson’s changes released earlier this month.

Parson announced new guidance Nov. 12, which says “proper mask wearing may now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in K-12 schools that have implemented a mask mandate.”

If a student or teacher is wearing a mask, he or she will not be sent home in contact tracing, but should still monitor for symptoms and stay home at the first sign of illness.

According to information on the district’s website, almost 90 students are out for active contacts between the elementary, middle and high schools.

Meanwhile, there are three active cases between the schools. Sullivan said enrollment currently sits around 660 students.

Doniphan R-I students will be required to wear face masks when they return to school from fall break on Monday, district superintendent Brad Hagood announced Tuesday afternoon.

At a special meeting Monday, the R-I board of education agreed to follow new guidelines introduced by Parsons and adopted a mask mandate policy for all students in pre-k through grade 12 and all employees.

Under the new guidelines, those wearing masks at school will not be required to stay home in quarantine for 14 days if identified as a close contact to a positive case.

“In order for districts to utilize the updated guidelines, each district must adopt a mask mandate policy,” Hagood said.

Masks will be required at school, on buses and at school sponsored activities, including sporting events.

Masks only can be removed while eating or participating in physical activity. Those with medical exemptions will not be required to wear masks; however, those exempt will be quarantined 14 days if it is determined they are a close contact to a positive case.

Students who are not comfortable wearing a mask may enroll in the virtual learning option. Those wishing to enroll in the virtual program should contact the appropriate building office.

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Additional reporting by The Prospect-News.