Members of the Alabama State Board of Education and department staff discussed public-health guidance for schools as the new school year approaches, focusing on masking, vaccinations, quarantine rules and how those rules apply to school activities.

What staff said

Dr. Mackey and department staff summarized their recent conversations with the State Health Officer and with the governor’s office. They said the governor’s state of emergency and related health orders have expired; the CDC’s guidance continues to recommend masking for unvaccinated people, and the State Health Department “follows CDC.” The department reported that the State Health Officer will issue recommendations aligned with CDC guidance but will not impose a statewide mask mandate for the coming year.

Quarantine and activities

Staff explained how case reporting and quarantine will work under current public-health rules: confirmed COVID-19 cases must be reported to public-health authorities; identified close contacts (within six feet for 15 cumulative minutes over 24 hours) are subject to self-isolation orders unless they are fully vaccinated. Staff warned school leaders and families that this difference could affect participation in activities: for example, if some team members have been vaccinated and others have not, vaccinated players may not be quarantined while unvaccinated teammates could be.

Requests for clear guidance

Several board members pressed for a short, plain-language document the department can post and share with districts and parents. “Can you put that in writing and something that we can have prepared already so that when we are contacted?” a board member asked. Staff agreed to produce a concise guidance sheet and to post it on the department website with regular updates.

Why it matters

Local districts make most operational decisions, and the state’s approach will be influential for parents and superintendents preparing for fall athletics and classroom routines. Board members said clear statewide guidance would reduce confusion and help align local messaging with public-health recommendations.

Next steps

Staff agreed to publish brief guidance on the department website, to coordinate with the State Health Officer for any clarifying written statements and to provide a one‑page explainer for districts on how quarantine rules apply to vaccinated and unvaccinated students and staff.