The West Central Valley School Board approved a face mask policy at their regular meeting Wednesday.

Co-Superintendents Anthony Lohse and Rusty Shockley presented a policy to the Board after direction was given during their special meeting Monday. The policy states that students and staff will be required to wear masks in preschool through 12th grades when social distancing is not possible. Those needing a medical exemption from wearing masks will need to have medical verification of their condition. Masks are also required for all outdoor and indoor events when social distancing isn’t possible, though masks are not required during recess and physical education. Masks are also required for all school transportation when social distancing is not possible.

As per the Iowa Department of Public Health, gaiters and face shields are not adequate face coverings. Teachers, staff, and administrators will make every attempt to have this be a positive experience, and mask breaks will be implemented. The District will provide masks if students forget or cannot afford to purchase one. If a student refuses to wear a mask when required, the District will make every attempt to encourage that student to wear one prior to it becoming a disciplinary issue. These guidelines will be in effect starting Monday, October 26th. To read the full policy visit here.