MARS HILL, Maine — The SAD 42 school district followed the example of several states and schools in the United States by transitioning to optional masks on Wednesday.
SAD 42 Superintendent Elaine Boulier sent a letter home to parents on Tuesday, Feb. 28, announcing schools would transition March 2 to optional masking following two years of mandatory face covering due to COVID-19.
School board members unanimously approved the decision.
Masks will still be required on buses for the time being, and contact tracing and close contact quarantining will still take effect, but students and staff only need to quarantine for five days instead of 10. Students and staff will need to wear a mask for five days upon returning to school from quarantine.
Finally, the school will continue pool testing as well to continue with Maine’s “test to stay” program. This program allows students to stay in school if they are a close contact.
“If your child is not signed up for pool testing, I would strongly encourage you to consider this program,” Boulier said.
Boulier thanked all families for their patience and support during this time, and assured parents that the district is continuing to follow all Department of Education and Maine CDC guidelines.
