Masks will be optional for Union County Summer School. Union County Board of Education approved the TSBA-recommended policy for mask wearing in public schools at the May board meeting.
According to Dr. Jimmy Carter, director of schools, summer school will have about eight students per class, which will allow for social distancing. The policy will be reviewed at the July board meeting to decide on the policy for the regular opening of school in August.
Carter noted that Union County had only two incidents of possible in-school spread of COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 school year with one each at HMMS and at UCHS. He also reminded everyone that school opened on schedule with regular in person classes and the whole system never had to close.
Marty Gibbs, first district board member, stated that vaccinations are available for anyone who wants them. Carter said that he hoped more people would get the vaccinations. Union County cases continue to decline.
Jennifer Ford, a parent, addressed the board regarding the mask mandate for next school year and encouraged masks be optional. She cited many sources that explained the low probability of schools spreading COVID-19.
The wording of the mask policy will leave mask wearing optional unless the board takes action in July.