Charleston Co. School District Board of Trustees Set to Discuss Districtwide Mask Mandate Monday
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CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Just as data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control shows a drop in COVID-19 cases statewide from last month, the board of The Charleston County School District administration is set to take down their mask policy at Monday’s board meeting.
The agenda shows that the board should discuss ending the mask policy currently in place, which requires students and staff to wear masks in district buildings.
The board most recently voted in early January to extend the mask term until March 14, but at the committee’s full meeting a few weeks ago, six of eight board members voted to bring up the policy. of the mask during Monday’s meeting.
According to the district’s website, the mask mandate is intended to be in effect when DHEC rates COVID-19 disease activity in Charleston as “medium” or “high.” The latest DHEC data rates Charleston County as having “medium” recent disease activity.
The Charleston County School District is one of the last districts in the region to require masks. Dorchester District 4, Dorchester District 2 and Berkeley County all do not require face coverings. Schools in Colleton County still do.
Monday’s mask policy discussion comes just days after the CDC announced it was relaxing mask guidelines for most people, and the vast majority of Americans can stop wearing masks indoors. .
The CDC still advises people to wear masks where the risk of COVID-19 is high. This includes schoolchildren.
It also comes after DHEC updated its guidelines for schools and daycares. The agency now suggests moving to managing COVID-19 as endemic and says schools and daycares may pause testing to stay, contract tracing, and masking close contacts without symptoms, depending on the number of COVID cases.
The agenda for Monday’s board meeting also shows that the board is set to discuss the search for a superintendent following the resignation of former superintendent Dr Gerrita Postlewait in December.
The board meeting is set for 4 p.m. Monday.
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