Masked Discussion Return to the School Board
Students and staff were given the option to wear a mask or not this year.
The Rapid City School Board voted 5-2 on Tuesday to maintain the current mask mandate of having masks be optional and not move to a two-week mask mandate.
“Not having masks at school this year was definitely a plus. I feel like it is easier to understand and listen to the teachers and others.” said Sophomore Hayden Holec. Sophomore Holland Post agreed, “While I think masks are useful, I’m glad we’re not wearing them because we can finally see each other’s faces and be able to connect more names to faces.”
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, RCAS had 35 staff COVID cases and 254 student cases, with 47 staff and 560 students in quarantine. Showing a graph to those in attendance, Superintendent Lori Simon compared COVID case levels from the 2021-22 school year to the 2020-21 school year. According to that graph, cases have soared at the beginning of this year.
“I believe if Covid picks up again, we should go back to masks and we shouldn’t make those who are still wearing masks for personal reasons feel out of place.” said Post.
Bradley quote “It’s the safest, easiest way to protect people in an unknown environment. While I don’t like wearing them personally, I understand the necessity if the need arises”
The Board did vote 4-2 to include the number of active cases per building on the dashboard and update it every day.
With over 70 people signed up to speak at the meeting, it proved to be a long night for all in attendance.
