Published September 9, 2020

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The School Committee last night approved a new policy on face coverings. The policy was laid on the table at the Aug. 25 meeting for two weeks consideration prior to last night’s vote.

“A face covering that covers the nose and mouth must be worn by all individuals in school buildings, on school grounds and on school transportation, even when social distancing is observed,” the policy states. “Face coverings should be at least two-ply and be able to stop respiratory droplets from reaching others. Gaiters, bandanas and masks with one-way valves or vents will not be permitted.”

The policy outlines exceptions under which an individual may be excused from the mask requirement, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Exceptions will be made if the individual has trouble breathing, is unconscious, is incapacitated or cannot remove the mask or face-covering without assistance.

In addition, masks or face coverings will not be required for anyone who has a medical, behavioral or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a face mask or face covering. A written note from a physician is required for a requested exemption. Parents may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver.

Additionally, face masks or face coverings will not be required when appropriate social distancing is enforced (six feet) during mask breaks, while eating or drinking, during physical education classes or while outside under supervision.

Exceptions to this policy under certain circumstances, such as for students with medical, behavioral or other challenges who are unable to wear masks, must be approved by the building principal in consultation with the school nurse or local Board of Health. Face shields or physical barriers may provide an alternative in some instances

A student’s mask or face covering is to be provided by the student’s family. Staff members are responsible for providing their own face coverings. However, the district will supply disposable face covering for individuals who arrive at a building, or board school transportation, without one.

If students are in violation of this policy, the building principal will consult with the parent/guardians to determine whether an exception is appropriate or the student may be removed from the school building for in-person learning until such time as they can comply with the requirement or the requirement is lifted.

Violations of this policy by staff will be handled in the same manner as other violations of School Committee policy. Visitors in violation of this policy will be denied entry to the school/district facility.

The mask policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.

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Also at last night’s meeting, School Facilities Director Bob Schiaroli and DPW Director Joseph Conway reviewed measures that have been taken with respect to HVAC and ventilation in all school buildings.

Schiaroli said that the DPW has gone through all of the HVAC units, replacing all filters with the highest-level filters, installing new belts and motors where needed and greasing all parts.

At the high school, 458 window screens are currently being installed or replaced, Schiaroli said.

Schiaroli noted that air quality was tested at most schools last year by DPH. He said that DPH did issue some recommendations for the Greenwood School but stressed that if the building had been deemed unsafe, the district would have been issued mandates instead of recommendations. He pointed out that many of the recommendations were standard for all buildings.

School Superintendent Douglas Lyons reported that a third-party engineering firm has been assessing the HVAC systems in all of the school buildings. He said that he expects to receive a report on their findings today and he anticipated that there will be issues that need to be addressed.

Lyons said that he would ask Schiaroli and Conway to come back at the next School Committee meeting to discuss the report.