Both the Salem Grade and High School Districts will be among those that will start the school year with masks optional both in the buildings and riding the bus.
High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says they will be starting the school year with the same policies as they finished last year.
“If there is a student that still wants to wear a mask, they are going to be encouraged to do so. We’re going to have masks available at the entryways, just like we did all spring. If a student or staff member opts to wear a mask, that is a personal choice that we applaud them for and they will be welcome in the school.”
Salem Grade School Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe says their program also is similar to the end of last school year.
“We will have to stay tests for everyone if parents give consent, but there are no masks on busses and they are still recommended, but we are not requiring them.”
Foppe says those who want to wear masks are more than welcome to do so. She reports those who test positive for COVID will have to be out for five days as recommended by the CDC.
There is no longer a requirement that close contacts stay out of school.
With Marion, Clinton, Fayette, and Clay Counties all at the high level of community spread the CDC is recommending the wearing of well-fitting masks indoors in public regardless of vaccination status, including in K through 12 schools.
Marion County Health Department Administrator Melissa Mallow says the immunization rate for students in the county is low. For 5 to 11-year-olds only 6 percent are fully vaccinated and for 12 to 17-year-olds only 24 percent are fully vaccinated. Mallow says they have vaccinated less than 20 children five and under.
