Students in Lincoln Public Schools won’t be required to wear masks next school year, regardless of their vaccination status under a proposed “Safe Return To School” plan released Thursday. The rules for teachers and staff are a bit different.
“Face coverings will be optional for staff who are fully vaccinated,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel said at a briefing. “Face coverings will be required for staff who are not fully vaccinated. Those who are fully vaccinated may choose to wear a face covering. There is no stigma associated with wearing a face covering.”
Joel said because of federal guidelines still in place, face mask rules on buses will stay in place.
“Everyone on a bus will be required to wear face coverings at all times, even if they are vaccinated,” Joel said. “This includes students and staff traveling for activities and athletics.”
There will be no vaccine requirements for students, teachers or staff, but the district can ask students for vaccine status. Joel says the district’s plan could change on short notice if there’s a resurgence of COVID cases. Parents and community members can review the proposed plan and provide feedback through July 9th. A final plan will be adopted July 15th.