In recent weeks there has been considerable discussion within the region and state related to mask requirements, specifically within indoor settings, including schools.  Today, Governor Inslee held a press conference and shared indoor masking guidance moving forward. Specifically, he lifted the indoor masking requirement effective March 21st (including in schools). Masks will still be required on school buses per a federal mandate that requires masks to be worn on all forms of public transportation (although, this requirement will be revisited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mid-March).

While I realize many are weary of masks and will want to stop wearing masks immediately, we are legally required to follow the Governor’s directive, which currently requires masks in school facilities until March 21st. Thus, we are requesting that each student, family, and staff member remain patient and continue to follow the masking requirement that is currently in place through Friday, March 18th.  
 
Although there is now a timeline in place to make masking optional for children and adults within schools, some staff members and families will remain concerned about their health and safety moving forward.  Respectfully, the District will be honoring the choices of individuals who continue to wear masks and take additional precautionary measures after the mask mandate ends. 

In closing, we have worked through so much together in the past two years.  Thus, I am confident that we can successfully navigate the timeline that has been established for the end of mandatory indoor masking and the upcoming changes that will follow.  

Thank you for your continued patience and support of our children, staff, schools, and district.  

 

Take care,
Rob Roettger, Superintendent