Area school systems responded to the rising numbers of COVID infections across the state by implementing temporary mask mandates.
Senatobia Municipal School District announced through an automated texting service Wednesday, Jan. 12, the district would require masks on campus beginning Thurs., Jan. 13 through Friday, Feb. 4. A decision on whether or not to extend the mask requirement will be made at the Feb. 4 school board meeting.
Previously the school system had moved to a mask optional model not requiring masks on campus; however, with the positive cases of COVID rising locally, school administration moved to require the masks in order to maintain functionally at the schools and reduce the number of students who might have to be quarantined due to exposure to the virus.
SMSD Superintendent Chris Fleming said the move to require masks was in the best interest of all those involved.
“After seeing an uptick in cases and close contact quarantines, we decided it would be in the best interest of everyone to wear masks. This option allows us to protect our students, our teachers, our staff, and our instructional time,” said Fleming.
SMSD Director of School Operations Jeff Underwood said a total of 67 staff members and students had tested positive for COVID-19 from Jan. 3 through Jan. 13.
The Tate County School District will continue to require staff and students to wear masks inside buildings on all campuses for at least another month.
School board members voted unanimously to keep the current mandate in place at their monthly meeting Tuesday, Jan. 11. A decision to drop or keep the mask requirement will be reviewed at the February meeting.
Superintendent Alee’ Dixon said Tate County Schools had 37 individuals test positive for COVID-19 and 77 under quarantine from Jan. 3 through Jan. 11.
