FUSD Governing Board Calls Special Meeting For Monday Morning Regarding Masks

The Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board has called a special meeting for Monday morning to consider recommended changes to the district’s face mask requirement. The meeting has one action item and there will be no public comment. The meeting is due to new guidance regarding face masks released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes new metrics to determine COVID-19 Community Levels. According to new CDC guidelines, counties in “Low” and “Medium” can consider going without masks in public indoor settings, including schools. The CDC no longer requires the wearing of masks on vans or buses operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education child care programs. Superintendent Michael Penca says “it is my recommendation the Flagstaff Unified School District amend its mask requirement to encourage, but not require, face masks effective immediately upon approval by the Governing Board,” He adds, “individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time and to their comfort level. Individual decisions to mask or not to mask should be supported and respected.” The meeting is set for 10 a.m. Monday.