Brookings School District will require masks when school begins next month (Audio)
July 31, 2020
BROOKINGS, S.D.–The Brookings School Board has approved a plan for students to return to school next month. It will include face-to-face, in-school classes five days a week. Masks will be required for all students, staff and visitors.
School Superintendent Klint Willert says they took a great deal of input from parents and staff, including a survey. The vast majority of parents want face-to-face instruction. Staff favored the hybrid approach.
The district had proposed a hybrid model with students in the classroom two days per week. But Willert says they now recommend in-class instruction…
It’s part of a tiered approach that could change based on community COVID-19 cases.
A majority of parents and staff believed all students and staff should wear a mask and that will be required.
Adam Juba spoke on behalf of the Brookings Education Association in favor of the hybrid model…
Parent Matt Olson says he has children in the school system and they will not wear masks…
The district will provide an online option for students who cannot or choose not to attend in person. They will also provide a remote option for some staffers.
The Watertown School District is, “strongly recommending” masks when school begins August 27th, but will not make them mandatory.
