Log in Subscribe

Monticello CSD adjust to new mask guidance

Derek Kirk
Posted 3/4/22

MONTICELLO — A Special Board of Education Meeting for the Monticello Central School District was held at Monticello High School on Tuesday, March 1 in which the Board voted in favor of …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Monticello CSD adjust to new mask guidance

Posted

MONTICELLO — A Special Board of Education Meeting for the Monticello Central School District was held at Monticello High School on Tuesday, March 1 in which the Board voted in favor of modifying a single component of the district’s COVID-19 mitigation plan.

This modification allows students and staff the option to wear masks at their own discretion following Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement that the State’s mask mandate for schools would expire on March 2.

“The district has consistently followed the advisement of county, state and federal public health agencies throughout the pandemic,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Evans said. “We recognize that our mitigation strategies should adapt with the changing outcomes of COVID-19. With Sullivan County currently categorized as having a low community risk level, the district believes it’s appropriate to change our mitigation plan and make mask-wearing optional.”

MCSD’s COVID-19 mitigation policy was initially adopted in order to allow students to return for in-person education in the Fall of 2021, which included wearing face masks while on school grounds.

Since then, changes in COVID-19 prevention policies have occurred on the State and Federal levels which are now reflected by the Board’s recent decision to modify their mitigation plan.

There have been a number of amendments to the plan since the beginning of the school year in the Fall.

One previous amendment included the Board’s adoption of the Test-To-Stay program in February.

“All we had to do was change that one section [of the COVID-19 mitigation plan] so we weren’t in conflict [with updated State and CDC guidelines],” said Board of Education President Lori Orestano-James, refering to the mask policy.

The remainder of the district’s COVID-19 mitigation plan, outside of mandatory mask-wearing, will remain the same, according to MCSD’s website. This includes the district’s continued enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing when possible, and promotion of personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Further information on the district’s mitigation plan is available at monticelloschools.net. 

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here