Last week, Governor Northam announced that localities would be responsible for setting the policies for face coverings in schools. Last night, after reviewing and discussing the most recent VDH guidance, our local data for positive COVID-19 cases, and our school and community vaccination rates, the School Board authorized Dr. Arnold to communicate with staff, parents, and students their decision:
While it is strongly encouraged by VDH that unvaccinated individuals wear face coverings, wearing a face covering inside school buildings will be optional for staff and students. The Superintendent will have the authority to make changes to this practice based on VDH data related to positive case identification in the community. Wearing a face covering on school buses is required by federal law.
School board members expressed a desire to allow flexibility for everyone to make informed decisions about their own health needs. Here are some links for your review and consideration:
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Virginia PreK-12 Schools
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-in-virginia-locality/
Please watch a video message from ACPS Superintendent, Dr. Robert Arnold for more information about the Board’s decision.
Superintendent Update 7.30.21