Masks In The Fall? SP-F Schools Are Closely Monitoring Need

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — Administrators in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Regional School District are still mulling over questions surrounding masks and other reopening plans as the new school year nears.

"The district is closely monitoring the need for masking in the fall," said Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast.

As the delta variant spurs a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday recommended that people who are vaccinated and in areas at high risk for the coronavirus wear masks indoors.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and state Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli followed the CDC's recommendation and announced they "strongly recommend" masking in indoor settings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents due to increased risk. Read More: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

"Our metrics are trending in the wrong direction, and new data suggests the Delta variant is more transmissible even among vaccinated individuals, which is why we are making this strong recommendation," said Murphy and Persichilli in a joint statement.

As of July 17, Union County was at moderate risk, according to the state's COVID-19 activity report, which is released weekly.

Speaking during a news conference Monday, Murphy said he's not backing down on his stance that schools need to return to a fully in-person, five-day a week format in the fall. And while the state is not mandating the use of masks among unvaccinated students, school districts can choose to go beyond what the state is recommending, he said.

• See related: NJ Mask Mandates Guided By 'Local Realities,' Gov. Says
• See related: Delta Variant Continues Spread Despite NJ Vaccination Compliance

Mast noted the district will follow guidance from the state when making any final mask decisions.

"In June, the Governor stated that masks will not be required in schools for September. Very recently, the CDC and the Academy of Pediatrics came out with updated guidance on the subject. Ultimately, it is the Governor and the NJDOH/NJDOE that guide the protocols NJ schools will follow. The district anticipates updates in the near future from the DOE. We will continue to work with our local departments of health and will update the community before the start of school," said Mast.

Currently, masking is optional for students but required on school buses at all times.

The district released its September 2021-2022 School Opening Plans which includes two options.

Plan A will be implemented if low transmission rates continue:

• Full day in-person instruction
• Moving from a daily to a monthly health questionnaire
• Mask-optional policy for all students
• Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces
• In accordance with state regulatory authorities, masks will be worn on buses by all drivers, staff and students with assigned seats
• Compliance with ventilation protocol
• A return to traditional lunch and recess periods
• Hand washing protocols and hand-sanitizer stations will remain
• Lockers:
  • High school will use all hall and gym lockers
  • Middle schools will allow hall lockers only
  • Middle school students will not change for gym
• Music programs to resume with COVID accommodations in place as possible

Plan B will be implemented at the direction of the local health department and in accordance with governing regulatory agencies if they believe transmission rates warrant it. Plan B will include:

• Full school day with increased safely protocols
• Masks may be required by all, regardless of vaccination status
• Increased cleaning schedules
• Return of the desk dividers
• Return to student pods for lunch and recess at elementary grades
• Reduced restroom occupancy

Read the entire communication by clicking here.

The next Board of Education will be held on Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

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