MASSILLON, Ohio — Yet another Northeast Ohio school district has decided to put a mask mandate in place to help deal with the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
In a letter that featured numerous links and plenty of detailed explanation, Perry Local Schools Superintendent Scott Beatty announced that the district will have a mask requirement for all students and staff starting on Tuesday, September 7.
"The district understands that some families have strong beliefs about mask regardless of the legality," Beatty wrote. "The district will accept medical waivers only and will not require a mask for those students with documented special needs (IEP). All other students will be required to wear a mask starting Tuesday, September 7, 2021. If your child does not have a mask, one will be provided as we start the week. No child or staff member will be allowed to attend class without a face covering."
Beatty also dealt with the political turmoil that has broken out nationwide over mask mandates in schools.
"School districts have become “ground zero” for the many controversies that surround COVID-19. We have become expendable political collateral so we have to base our decisions on what we have been advised by legal and state/local health authorities," he added. "Again, the decision to wear face coverings gives Perry Local the best opportunity to remain open and give our kids a traditional educational experience."
You can read Beatty's entire letter to families of Perry Local Schools below:
More coverage:
- Northeast Ohio school districts update mask guidelines for 2021-22 school year
- Solon City Schools now requiring masks for students, staff in all grades
- Return of the mask: List of schools, stores and institutions in Northeast Ohio that are going back to mask mandates
- Masks required for staff, not students, as in-person learning resumes at Sandusky High School, Middle School