USD 407 Moves to Optional Masking

USD 407 Russell County Schools made a step away from the masking requirements at the April 12 Board of Education meeting.

The Board evaluated information and input from the Russell County Health Department, the Kansas Association of School Boards, the Mid-Continent League and USD 407 staff to determine that masking for students and staff while at school is optional as of the vote at the Board meeting according to a press release from Superintendent Shelly Swayne.

The optional move allows for students and staff to make the determination to wear their mask as they wish.

USD 407 will not dictate the wearing of masks during class time as long as social distancing and personal hygiene standards are maintained.

Any and all indoor assemblies, concerts, productions or ceremonies will most likely mandate mask wearing.

The inability to socially distance and maintain the events like concerts or graduations will dictate masking to align with the efforts that have kept the USD 407 community safe and in school.

These details are in accordance with the Kansas State High School Activities Association's standards of health and excellence for events throughout the fall, winter and spring activities.

It is the expectation of USD 407 that in these events for students that all who wish to attend will abide by the rules set forth for the day as published.

(Information courtesy USD 407.)