Some changes in masking requirements are coming for K-12 students in Grand Forks. Starting today (11/23) the face covering mandate becomes a recommendation for most after school activities. On January 17th masks will be optional for in class learning.
Board member Jackie Hoffarth says the change goes against guidelines adopted by the district prior to the start of the school year. “We are saying the data doesn’t really matter… we’re all tired…gosh it’s exhausting telling kids to put masks on…so let’s just pick a date.”
Board President Eric Lunn says COVID-19 is likely not going away and it’s about mitigating risks. “I think being able to vaccinate kids that adds a new layer of mitigation. I also think we do need to watch and if cases go back up we may have to look at that.”
Superintendent Terry Brenner says the last 21 months have been a journey and there hasn’t been one easy decision about COVID.
A move to lift the mask mandate for grades 9-to-12 at the start of the semester on January 3rd failed. Members did approve ending the requirement for all students January 17th on a six-to-two vote.
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