The school board voted unanimously Aug. 9 to allow the district to change . Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Log in to join the discussion. The Governor also stated, "K-12 school districts and charter schools still maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to mitigate against COVID-19 spread including the use of masks." Add the 10-digit school phone number and the Augusta County Schools district phone number (540-245-5100) to your phone contacts. Please wait for the page to reload. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Columbia County . There was a problem saving your notification. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Albemarle County Public Schools announced Monday that it continue to comply with the state law that masks be worn by all students in all schools and facilities. It had already been announced that students could go masklessfollowing a vote by the school board in January, but there was some question about whether teachers would still be required to wear masks under requirements fromthe Occupational Health and Safety Administration and the Department of Labor and Industry. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Anastasio said its easier at all levels since people move around the district. Kortney Lockey, Lynchburg Bureau - Multimedia Journalist. Its equal or worse than in December, and our healthcare workers are drowning, said Tara Mahanes. Starting Thursday, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors to all district facilities and buses, regardless of vaccination status. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any changes to you. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This huge statewide spike, and the 29schools that were shifted to distance learning in Richmond County, led to the school board's reaffirming its mask mandate Tuesday. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator Kelly F. Troxell Ed.D., Executive Director of Personnel (540) 245-5107, Section 504 Coordinator Douglas W. Shifflett, Jr. Ed.D, Deputy Superintendent (540) 245-5108. "In light of those considerations, the practice is to allowconsistencyin how students and staff are treated with respect to mitigation measures.". Do you have a story idea? VERONA Officials with Augusta County Public Schools have announced that masks won't be required beginning Monday for students, staff and visitors. Masks will be required for anyone inside Charleston County schools until Oct. 15, 2021. What we in public health and science are worried about is the virus and (how many) potential mutations away we are from a very transmissible virus that has the potential to evade our vaccines in terms of how it protects us from severe disease and death, she said. Create one. Im asking for a choice for a virtual option during this surge. He was referring to how the Georgia Department of Public Health color-codesCOVID-19 concentrations. Make 2023 the year to let that wonderful you-ness shine. Copyright 2023 WSLS.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. In light of Virginia's school mask policy change, we have included a list of school districts and their decisions on masking. Some people asked what the penalty is for not wearing a mask and the board said they do not have an exact answer at this time. Even though mask mandates will not be enforced inside school, masks will still be required on school buses, as well as for staff members and adults inside the school building. Masks are still required on buses per federal law. Augusta County Schools will become mask-optional in three weeks. Learn more. AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - As COVID-19 cases surge within Augusta County Schools, many people continue to speak out against mask mandates. School Superintendent Steven Flynt announced the rescinding of the mask mandate during the board's regular session Tuesday. We are excited to begin the school year but have some updates and reminders to help prepare our students as they return next week. When voting to rescind the mask mandate, the Augusta County School Board said it would watch COVID numbers in schools and keep the mandate in place if numbers weren't trending in a good direction. Reading Specialist (Former Employee) - Verona, VA - August 12, 2020. The week of Jan. 17 there were 171 cases. Over the summer, our children have been maskless, Welcher said. Shop the collection. "We'll revisit it. Glenn Youngkin's executive order on masks in schools. We fear if we dont have universal masking, the letter stated, there will be outbreaks warranting school closure.. Designed and sold by artists. Copyright 2021 WVIR. FISHERSVILLE The Augusta County School Board voted unanimously to make masks optional at all grade levels for both staff and students Thursday night at Wilson Memorial High School, which was met with cheers from the packed auditorium. Under the protocol,masks arerequired for allstudents, staff andvisitors to all school districtfacilities and onbuses,regardless of vaccination status. Data Not Collected The developer does not collect any data from this app. Copyright 2021 WHSV. Fennville Public . The Augusta County School Board is a seven-member board elected by district to four-year terms. All rights reserved. Riverheads High School 19 Howardsville Road Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 337-1921 Fax: (540) 337-0258. Latest trends. Some in Augusta County oppose school mask mandates as COVID-19 cases surge. Certification or licensure (if required for the position for which you are applying) ", More: Here's how fast the special use permit process has gone for Houff's Churchville pit, More: Resignation of Staunton City Manager Steve Rosenberg: Councilor Mead's remarks. //