MSAD 54 is practicing universal masking in all of our schools. This decision was not one that was come to lightly, and was made in the absolute best interests of our students. The following is a summation of our reasoning:
Keeping Kids in School: Maine CDC establishes the ground rules for quarantine in our state. Currently, if a school does not have universal masking, it is highly likely that the school will have to shut-down for all students as a result of positive cases and spread in school. Additionally, any student in a classroom could become a "close contact" without masks. Universal masking has allowed MSAD 54 to dramatically reduce quarantine, and to avoid closing school, even with over 130 positive cases in the first two months of school (there were 60 positive cases for the entire 2020-21 school year).
DOE: Masking Studies and Guidance for Their Effective Use
On January 5, 2022, the Maine Department of Education released a news brief supporting the effectiveness and efficacy of masks as a mitigation strategy for spread of the COVID-19 virus. That information can be found at the following link: https://bit.ly/3fK72GA
Local health professionals have stressed the seriousness of the virus and the need to mask and encourage vaccination: "The public health data shows that in communities with lower vaccination rates, there is higher spread of COVID, consequent disruption, hospitalization, and mortality. Masking is effective and widespread vaccination is the most effective tool for decreasing the deleterious effects of this virus, be it psychological effects of masking, impacts on quality of education, business, or mortality. Currently, we expect widespread hospitalizations throughout Maine for the foreseeable future while the impact upon the unvaccinated and elderly has its spread. There are currently more people on ventilators in Maine due to COVID than at any other time during this pandemic. This is preventable. The medical and health community opinions reflect the science of the virus and our tools to change its impact upon us." —Dr. Michael Lambke, RFGH
What the Science Says: The US CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Medical Association each support universal masking in schools. There is consensus around the impact masks had in schools last year, helping prevent the spread of the virus in the school building.
Additional information can be reviewed in documents provided to the board and posted in advance of the board meetings. Should anyone wish to reach out to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to give us a call at school or at the Central Office.
Your Guide To Masks
Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools
Announcements:
March 2, 2022
MSAD 54 will move to "Mask Optional" on March 9th, following the guidance of Maine DHHS/DOE/CDC
I'm writing to inform you that MSAD 54 will be moving to "mask optional" on March 9th following today's announcement by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Department of Education, that effective March 9th universal masking is no longer a statewide recommendation.
February 27, 2022
Masks & Updated Federal and State Guidance
On Friday, February 25th, the Federal CDC adjusted their recommendations for both local communities and schools. This marked a significant change in the CDC’s approach to school-based recommendations and has followed the science around the virus and the downward trend in cases across the nation. The Federal CDC made it clear that although COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to citizens, especially those unvaccinated, the community recommendations are shifting to reflect the changes being observed. As of today, Maine CDC is continuing to recommend universal masking in all Maine schools.
February 23, 2022
District Recommendation to move to "Mask Optional"
On Thursday, February 17, the MSAD 54 School Board supported the recommendation to move to “Mask Optional” in MSAD 54 schools this school year. This shift, the timing of which will likely be finalized at the next board meeting on March 10th, reflects new guidance, which was changed because of the improving case numbers state-wide.
January 20, 2022
District Recommendation to Move to Mask Optional
At the SAD 54 School Board Meeting of 8/12/21 I recommended the board require the use of masks in school for everyone in school, regardless of vaccination. The Board supported this recommendation and committed to reviewing the decision monthly throughout the year. At the Board meetings of 10/21, 11/16, and 12/16 the Board affirmed/reviewed the decision and my recommendation that masks continue to be required for this school year unless the following criteria were to change. Since that time the changes to the state SOP has provided additional reasons to support universal masking to ensure our students can remain in school. Below is a summary of why the recommendation stands and the key items that would each need to change for that recommendation to be adjusted.
December 16, 2021
Review of 9/12 Recommendation to Universally Mask in Schools (affirmed 11/21)
At the MSAD 54 School Board Meeting of 8/12/21 I recommended the board require the use of masks in school for everyone in school, regardless of vaccination. The Board supported this recommendation and committed to reviewing the decision monthly throughout the year. At the Board meeting of 10/21 the Board affirmed the decision and my recommendation that masks continue to be required for this school year unless the following criteria were to change. Below is a summary of why the recommendation stands and the key items that would each need to change for that recommendation to be adjusted.
November 18, 2021
Review of 9/12 Recommendation to Universally Mask in Schools (affirmed 10/21)
At the MSAD 54 School Board Meeting of 8/12/21 I recommended the board require the use of masks in school for everyone in school, regardless of vaccination. The Board supported this recommendation and committed to reviewing the decision monthly throughout the year. At the Board meeting of 10/21 the Board affirmed the decision and my recommendation that masks continue to be required for this school year unless the following criteria were to change. Below is a summary of why the recommendation stands and the key items that would each need to change for that recommendation to be adjusted.
October 21, 2021
Superintendent Recommendation: 10/21 Review of Universal Masking
At the MSAD 54 School Board Meeting of 8/12/21 I recommended the board require the use of masks in school for everyone in school, regardless of vaccination. The Board supported this recommendation and committed to reviewing the decision monthly throughout the year. Below is a summary of why the recommendation stands and the key items that would need to change for that recommendation to be adjusted.
August 12, 2021
MSAD 54 School Board Mask Recommendation
On September 1st of 2021 we will be opening school, and for the first time in two years, we’ll be welcoming ALL of our nearly 2400 students back into our schools together at one time.
Since the beginning, our focus and priority has been to get our kids back in school safely, to keep them in school and moving forward in their learning. For this reason, based on all of the guidance and evidence I have reviewed and the unanimous agreement of our building administrators, I am going to recommend we begin school having everyone mask, even those individuals who have been fully vaccinated. We view this as a temporary necessary move based on the Delta variant and its potential impact to schools.
I would recommend reviewing this decision beginning the second Board meeting of October, and continuing monthly through the year. I’m in hopes that as was the case last year, things will change and improve, and we’ll ultimately be able to move away from universal masking later this year.
Respectfully,
Jon Moody Superintendent of Schools