Report by Paula Antolini, February 24, 2022, 12:59PM EDT
During the Board of Education meeting on February 15, 2022, Dr. Carver presented her recommendation as outlined in her memo to the Board regarding the statewide school mask mandate. Earlier this week, Governor Lamont and the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, in a press conference, lifted the statewide school mask mandate as of February 28, 2022. In that press conference, they indicated that Superintendents and Boards of Education had the discretion to adopt mandatory mask mandates based on local factors. State-level indicators for removing the mask mandate included:
• Declining cases;
• Rates of vaccinations;
• Improved treatments; and
• Reduction in hospitalizations
Dr. Carver stated that the Commissioner also indicated that positivity rates are not a reliable indicator anymore given the availability of home tests. The data in the Bethel Public Schools also supports similar data: significantly declining data and high vaccination rates, particularly among our most vulnerable populations.
She informed the Board of the newly adopted law by the legislature since the Governor’s announcement, An Act Concerning the Extension of Certain Executive Orders and Department of Public Health Authority and Covid-19 Relief Days, did extend the Executive Orders but maintains the February 28th date. Dr. Carver noted that the legislation does allow for the Governor to renew the mask mandate in schools should the data indicate it is necessary. She also noted that the federal requirement for masks on public transportation continues to be in place, requiring masks on school buses.
Dr. Carver reviewed the Bethel Public Schools indicators of declining cases and high vaccination rates. The BPS case rate peaked during the holiday break and continues to go down, following state-wide trends. Positive cases have been reported as “flu-like” symptoms to the “mild cold”, with most cases being reported with mild symptoms. In addition,many of our students only wear their masks at school and it has become increasingly difficult to have our students wear their masks appropriately. Like the state data, the BPS number of cases since the holiday has significantly declined. The Bethel community vaccination rates continue to grow. The most vulnerable populations have the highest rates of vaccinations. All families have the opportunity to be vaccinated, ages 5 and up to reduce the risk of serious illness.
In consultation with the district attorney (policy and liability implications), district medical advisor, and the Department of Health, Dr. Carver is recommending moving to masks being optional for staff and students in school. The Town’s Department of Health and Medical Advisor continue to recommend masks be worn in indoor settings, following CDC guidance, when community transmission is high and/or widespread. They also recommend that individuals work with their medical provider to determine their level of risk given their personal medical circumstances.
Dr. Carver stated, as per legal analysis, given the Governor and the Department of Health have determined that it is appropriate to lift the mask mandate, the Board’s Attorney reported that there would not be any increased liability on the Board. When looking at the current district policy, 5141.8, Face Coverings, it is linked to the “guidelines” issued by the State Department of Education. With the repeal of the mandate, the guidelines do not exist. The Board has two options (1) to suspend the face coverings policy or (2) leave the policy, in absence of the guidelines, the policy would not be enforced and could be reinstituted if the Governor reinstituted the mask mandate.
We will still implement the following strategies:
• Require students and staff to stay home if they are sick.
• Continue to provide home tests (with available supplies) to families and staff to rule out COVID if presenting with symptoms OR as a result of exposure.
• Provide staff with N-95 masks (with available supplies from the State) for those who want to continue to wear a mask.
• Continue to maintain our HVAC systems in compliance with COVID standards.
• Encourage frequent hand washing.
• Work with families who have individualized circumstances and/or are at high risk.
• Continue to support a school environment of inclusivity which allows students and staff to use a mask and other COVID mitigation strategies that support their health and well being if desired.
Dr. Carver informed the Board the administration does not have any guidance on any changes to protocols as a result of lifting the mask restrictions. If/when they receive that information, they will communicate it to families. They also do not know what requirements will be in place for sports and/or other activities. BPS students will have to comply to compete.
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I MOVE that, consistent with the provisions of Bethel Board of Education policy 9314 and effective on February 28, 2022, Bethel Board of Education Policies 4118.237/4218.237 and 5141.8 shall be suspended until the Board takes further action on any of said enumerated policies or for the balance of the 2021-22 school year, whichever occurs first, for the purpose of making mask wearing within the schools or at school sponsored activities optional in response to the statewide elimination of mask mandates. Masks shall not be required to be worn by individuals present on school grounds or Board sponsored activities unless otherwise required by law, regulation, or by other legislative or executive order, and further subject to requirements imposed by third parties relating to Bethel school activities occurring off school grounds. Masks shall still be required to be worn on school transportation consistent with federal regulations. Furthermore, the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to act on its behalf to reinstate Bethel Board of Education Policies 4118.237/4218.237 and 5141.8 in whole or in part in the event of a change in circumstances warranting such consideration and/or upon recommendation from the Board’s medical/health advisors, subject to final Board action. Passed with a motion by Mr. Scott Clayton and a second by Mrs. Courtney Martin.
Mrs. Jennifer Ackerman: Yea
Mr. Scott Clayton: Yea
Kara DiBartolo: Yea
Mr. Bill Foster: Yea
Mrs. Jen Larsen: Yea
Mrs. Courtney Martin: Yea.
Ms. Melanie O’Brien: Yea
Mrs. Cathy Schaefer: Yea
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