A board meeting was held on Feb. 28 to discuss the COVID-19 Mitigating Measures in the SMSD district and updated mask mandates.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard proposed the idea of an update to second semester COVID-19 mitigation measures that allows optional masking on all district-related transportation where masks-wearing was mandatory, including school buses. It was passed and has been in effect since March 1.
These decisions are being made based on data relating to the rates of infection and transmission in Johnson County and in SMSD schools and vaccination rates among different ages.
The new rules are being implemented based on new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They stated that wearing masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs is no longer required.
The board's main goal as an education community is to keep schools open so that children can learn and benefit from interactions from others. SMSD recognizes the strongest mitigating measure may be found in the immunity gained from vaccines.
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