ANDOVER — Superintendent John Lavoie reports that the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee has voted to modify the District’s school mask mandate.
During its regular business meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15, the Committee voted to revise the policy to make masking optional for all students beginning on Monday, March 7.
On Feb. 9, Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced that the statewide school mask mandate would not be renewed after it expires on Feb. 28. The decision was made after consulting with medical experts and state health officials, and considering high vaccination rates and widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school staff and students.
As a result, masking in school buildings would revert to a local policy decision to be made by individual school committees.
Due to state and federal guidelines, masks are required:
On school buses
In the nurses’ office and clinic at all times.
For anyone returning from quarantine, for 5 days
“As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are moving cautiously to make informed decisions with the best interests of students and staff in mind. By waiting until March 7, we will be able to monitor any spikes in positivity rates following February vacation,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “We will continue to follow community transmission rates and allow the data to guide our decisions.”
Information about the school and COVID-19 protocols may be found on the School website.
