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Boise Schools to require indoor face coverings regardless of vaccination status


Boise Schools recommends indoor face coverings regardless of vaccination status. (Boise Schools)
Boise Schools recommends indoor face coverings regardless of vaccination status. (Boise Schools)
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The Boise School District will require all students and staff to wear face coverings while indoors for the upcoming school year.

"We feel like the masks at this point in time with this high transmission are our absolute best bet to starting the school year in person five days a week," said Lisa Roberts, deputy superintendent of schools. "...Our biggest fear is to have to go back to remote learning. We do not want to do that again."

Roberts says many teachers are angry about the recommendation, but that they understand.

"They are just disappointed that we are not at a point where they can teach without a mask," she said.

Trustee Andy Hawes supported the administration's plan.

"In my mind, with the backdrop of Covid, we have to focus on, quite simply, what gives the students the best opportunity to participate in in-class learning," Hawes said. "And in my mind, this recommendation... gives us the best opportunity to do that."

Some parents could be heard showing their displeasure as the board made its vote and left the room.

"You don't care about the staff or their input, you don't care about the parents or their input, all you care about is not getting sued," one parent said.

One woman, shouting at the board, yelled: "My child will not go to school with a mask," the parent said. "He will show up without one."

The new school year begins Aug. 16.



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