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The two biggest school divisions on the Peninsula vowed to continue mask mandates, while face coverings will be optional in Gloucester County starting Monday.
Hampton, Newport News and Gloucester, Isle of Wight and York counties raced to finalize their decisions ahead of Monday, when an executive order from Gov. Glenn Youngkin attempting to make masks optional takes effect. All south Hampton Roads public school divisions finalized their masking policies earlier this week.
Guidance came from the Virginia Department of Health and Department of Education on the last day districts had to make their decisions.
“Implementing prevention strategies to reduce risk associated with COVID-19 is a shared responsibility,” the guidance said.
The 14-page document outlined the responsibilities for three groups — parents, school divisions and public health agencies. Masks fell under the parents’ portion in the latest guidelines, backing Youngkin’s order.
Gloucester’s 6-1 vote applies to students. But the district will still require a 10-day isolation for students who test positive for COIVD-19 and require masks for those riding buses in accordance with federal law.
On a 4-1 vote, Isle of Wight upheld its policy of mandatory masks for all students and employees, unless they have a medical exemption.
“We had a vote tonight. A lot of people are not going to be happy about it, but folks please respect the process, even if you don’t agree with it,” member John Collick, the sole dissenting vote, said during the special meeting. He asked parents to not make circumstances more difficult for teachers, bus drivers and administrators.
Board Chair Denise Tynes said the decision aligned with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other state and local health agencies.
“It is Isle of Wight schools’ duty to provide and maintain an instructional environment and workplace that is free from known hazards,” Tynes said. “We are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our students, staff, (families) and the community itself at large from (COVID-19).”
Hampton, Newport News and York County issued statements Friday, all citing state law to follow CDC guidelines to keep schools open, in-person, five days a week. Both divisions will require all students, school employees and visitors to wear masks while inside school building.
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During its meeting Wednesday, Hampton’s board members agreed to ratify its current health mitigation plan. The plan, updated Thursday, says unless students, faculty and staff provide administrators a medical waiver or religious accommodation, the mask rules still apply.
Earlier this week, Poquoson schools made masks optional for students, employees and visitors. Board Chair Michelle Sheeler opposed, members Timothy Goodale and Jeremy Jordan abstained.
Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com