Rio Rancho Schools decide on mask policy for new school year
On Monday evening a back-to-school plan was voted on for Rio Rancho students and some of them are going to have to mask up.
In a 3-2 decision, the Rio Rancho School Board decided that all elementary students and faculty will need to wear a mask when they return to school, middle and high schoolers will not if they can prove they are vaccinated.
The district plans to implement a mask pass, for secondary students who do not wish to wear a face covering.
To get a pass a student will need to fill out a form proving they have been vaccinated.
The information provided will only be available to the school nurse and administration.
Once the form is submitted, they will be given a pass to show proof they do not need to wear a mask.
Regardless of vaccination status those at the secondary level will not be separated, according to Beth Pendergrass with the Rio Rancho Public Schools.
“I just want to reassure the community and the board, we do not have plans to segregate students in different locations based on their vaccination status,” said Pendergrass.
Superintendent of Rio Rancho Schools, Dr. Sue Cleveland, said if this plan doesn't work, they can always change the district guidelines.
“We really are asking for everybody's help to pull together to make this work, because if it doesn't work, then we are going to have to go to something more restrictive and none of us want that,” said Cleveland.