Dear IUSD Community,
This message is in follow-up to the update we provided yesterday, regarding the state’s timeframe for reassessing mask mandates for California TK-12 schools by February 28. Based on some misinformation on social media and questions from our community, the District would like to clarify the following information.
The Board of Education is Required to Follow Current Guidelines and Mandates
- There has been some misinformation on social media that the IUSD Board of Education will take action related to the state’s mask requirements for schools during the February 16 Board Meeting. Please be advised that the Board of Education will not be taking any action regarding mask requirements for schools.
- The California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency determine face covering and other COVID-19 guidelines and mandates.
- IUSD is required to follow these state and local guidelines and mandates, which have the effect and force of law.
- As IUSD has done since the onset of COVID-19, we will monitor local health conditions and we will continue to follow state and local health guidelines and adapt as determined by the guidelines. We will provide further updates when more information is available from the state on February 28.
Current California Indoor Mask Requirements for Schools Remain in Place
- California’s current indoor mask requirements for TK-12 schools remain in place and require students, staff and visitors on school campuses to wear face coverings while indoors. Masks are not required outdoors.
- Under the operative executive orders and provisions of the California Health and Safety Code, schools must comply with orders and guidance issued by the CDPH and local health departments, such as the Orange County Health Care Agency, to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.
- Persons in violation of state and local health and safety mandates, which have the effect and force of law, are not permitted on school campuses. If your student feels they cannot attend school in-person with a mask, and they do not have an exemption in place, please contact your principal to discuss options for IUSD’s Virtual Academy or independent study.
The health and safety of our students, staff and families remains our priority. We thank our community for continuing to be our partners in following the guidelines to help ensure schools can safely remain open for in-person instruction.
We will continue to keep our community updated as we have new information.
Sincerely,
IUSD Communications