School districts respond to mask mandate change

During a press briefing Tuesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson made an announcement that he was lifting the state’s mask mandate. As part of the briefing it was noted that school boards across the state will be able to decide if their school districts will keep the current plan or change requirements involving masks.

Local school districts recently posted statements about masks requirements on their social media pages. Many mentioned that the districts’ plans will not change at this time.

Malvern School District will be continuing the current policy involving masks.

When making their announcement, Malvern School District officials said that “the safety of our students and staff is our first priority. The Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Health strongly advise districts to continue to follow all measures that have allowed us to have a successful year and continue to have in-person learning.”

Officials with the Poyen School District and the Bismarck School District also announced they would be continuing the current policy.

Bismarck Superintendent Susan Kissire noted in her announcement that mask wearing may prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts at school.

“If both individuals at school–the person diagnosed with COVID-19 and the person exposed to the positive case–have masks on and are wearing them correctly, the individual exposed does not need to quarantine,” she explained.

Officials with the Ouachita School District announced that facial coverings will now be optional for students and staff.

Magnet Cove School District officials said the district will be continuing the current policy, but a special school board meeting will be held. At this meeting board members will make a decision about the issue.