Claremore Public Schools Approves Districtwide Mask Requirement

The Claremore school board has approved a mask requirement for all students, staff, and visitors.

The policy starts next Wednesday. The school board said the policy is intended to help slow the spread of COVID-19 within the district and keep students learning in-person rather than at home.

Mask must be worn inside all school facilities and the requirement is for students, employees and visitors.

The district said for the sake of this policy, school buses are considered an "inside facility," which means students must wear a mask while riding to and from school or to activities.

Students and employees can opt-out of this requirement for medical reasons or religious and personal beliefs.

Those who want to opt-out must fill out an exemption form and turn it in to the district by September 22nd.

The requirement does not apply to outside activities including recess.

This requirement will stay in effect until the end of the semester unless the school board lifts it earlier.

The district also wants to cut down on large student events at Claremore Schools.

Leaders said they will evaluate them on a case-by-case basis.