COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. – As Columbia County students and staff prepare to head back to school next week, the school board is considering the district’s mask policy.
Under current requirements, masks or face shields must be worn by all employees of the school, but are optional for students.
According to a letter from Superintendent Lex Carswell, the superintendent wants to require all students in grades 3-12 to wear a face covering on the bus and in situations where they can’t be socially distant.
READ: Letter from Superintendent Lex Carswell
It’s not clear if this change is in response to a local spike in coronavirus cases, but Carswell says in the letter to parents in the district that the decision was made “after significant deliberation and consideration of all arguments presented and information from various government agencies and health officials.”
Columbia County has reported more than 2,900 coronavirus infections and 16 deaths.
School goes back in session in Columbia County on Aug. 24.
“Keeping students and staff safe while pursuing academic excellence should unite us all,” Carswell wrote.
The letter said students who are unable to wear a face covering can complete and exemption waiver.
The Columbia County School Board will meet Tuesday night to vote on the superintendent’s recommendation.