Mask Mandate Remains in Kearney Schools

As expected, the Kearney School District announced on Tuesday that the district’s face covering policy will remain in place through the end of the school year for students, staff and visitors.

The school district posted on its website that it will continue to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations that “schools continue to use the current COVID-19 prevention strategies for the 2020-2021 school year,” and clarified that, “All schools should…prioritize universal and correct use of masks.”

The announcement goes on to say that the district’s policy requires it to follow the Clay County Public Health Center guidelines for communicable diseases. This policy requires the district to keep the mask mandate in place through the school year, which ends on May 26, for students, staff and visitors. In addition, the district’s quarantine guidance for unmasked people has not changed. Unmasked students and adults who are not vaccinated will be required to quarantine for 10-14 days if they come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

The announcement concluded by ensuring families that when the CDC updates its guidelines for schools in the coming weeks, the district will be able to reevaluate its guidelines for summer school and the next academic year. Parents with concerns and feedback about the school district’s mask policies can voice their opinions by emailing communciations@ksdr1.net.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story