Juneau schools go mask optional starting Monday

Starting Monday, April 4, masks will be optional for most people in the Juneau School District and on school buses. The City and Borough of Juneau’s overall community risk level is currently Level 1 Minimal, and has been since February 28. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Juneau is at a Medium COVID-19 Community Level.

The Juneau Board of Education approved the following mask policy language on March 10:

“Effective April 4, assuming CDC community level remains Medium or Low, masks, or similar facial coverings designed to mitigate COVID-19 transmission and are well-fitted covering the mouth and nose, are optional for all persons indoors in Juneau School District facilities and on school grounds. The Superintendent has the authority to require face masks in certain situations consistent with CDC guidelines.”

Please note the following:

• Optional Mask Wearing: People may choose to mask indoors in JSD facilities or outdoors on school district grounds at any time. It is an individual decision that students, staff members, and visitors are free to make without judgment. Parents who wish their child to wear a mask should communicate directly with their child about the expectation. In general, staff members are not able to enforce different rules for different students. If an individual is at high risk for severe illness, they should contact their healthcare provider about the need to wear a mask or take other precautions.
• Masks Required: Masks will remain required in settings where the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available for students. This includes the Integrated Pre-K classes, Kinder Ready, and Montessori Borealis’ Children’s House.
• Mitigation Practices: The school district will continue to operate symptom-free schools, provide testing for all staff and student activities, follow test to stay protocols and provide masks to individuals who choose to wear them. Everyone is encouraged to test if they have symptoms.

See the complete JSD Mask Policy to see guidance for confirmed cases and for exposure or close contact situations.

For more information, go to juneauschools.org, or contact your school.