The Guthrie Center School Board approved a mask requirement on a 4-1 vote during a special meeting Friday night.

After multiple people spoke in support of a mask requirement during the public forum, the Board approved a policy which will take effect on Monday, November 16th. Masks will be required for students and staff in all grade levels any time social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained. Exceptions include those with medical exemptions provided by a physician, and those participating in physical activities such as physical education, recess, and sports. All spectators over two years old must wear masks and maintain six feet of distance from other spectators at indoor activities. If a student refuses to wear a mask, the District states they will make every attempt to encourage the student to wear one prior to it becoming a disciplinary issue. The policy will be in effect until the Governor lifts the public health emergency declaration or the Guthrie Center School Board of Directors deems it appropriate to lift the policy. You can find more information here.