Kenai Peninsula Borough Schools will allow parents and students the option of returning to fully-open schools on August 24, but students will notice at least one visible difference: masks for students and staff, when sufficient physical distancing is not possible.
Cloth face coverings will be required for staff and students in third grade and older.
Superintendent John O’Brien confirmed on Thursday that this is a slight escalation from the district’s original plan: “In our original Smart Start plan, cloth face coverings were encouraged and an option at the green and at the yellow alert levels. I’ve made a change, based on input we’ve received from the Alaska DHSS on our Smart Start plan, and on feedback that we’ve received over time from staff, parents, and the community. A new aspect of our plan, I’ve decided that I will be requiring face coverings for all students in our schools from grades three and higher. Also, for all staff members. In both instances, cloth face coverings will need to be worn when six feet of physical distancing cannot be provided.”
He also confirmed that parents and volunteers will also be required to wear face coverings when they visit schools.
