Union Public Schools Board Approves Mask Mandate For Students

Beginning next week another Green Country school district will require masks.

The Union Public School board voted unanimously on Friday to implement a mask requirement for students and staff. The superintendent says the COVID numbers at Union are higher now than they ever were last school year, and he thinks this mask mandate is the best way to keep students learning in person.

The requirement said students, staff, and visitors need to wear a mask indoors on district property. There is an option to opt-out for medical, religious, or strongly held personal reasons, and parents who want to opt-out can fill out a form for their kids.

The district said it had 181 positive COVID cases as of Wednesday, compared to 118 as the highest number on a single day last year. Superintendent Kirt Hartzler says with staffing shortages and high case numbers, wearing masks makes the most sense to keep learning in the classroom.

"This is not going to be possible if we do not stop the spread of COVID," Dr. Hartzler said. "I firmly believe in science and what the health professionals are telling us about the importance of wearing masks as a mitigation measure."

The requirement goes into effect next Wednesday.