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Chebeague Island School Committee adopts indoor masking requirement, rejects optional masking motion
Summary
The committee voted to require face coverings in indoor settings and on school transportation beginning Aug. 23, 2021, after Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick proposed a layered COVID-19 safety plan; a motion to make masking optional failed 2–3. The committee empowered the superintendent to use her judgment and revisit the decision Sept. 7.
The Chebeague Island School Committee voted Aug. 17 to implement a layered COVID-19 safety protocol that includes a requirement for face coverings in all indoor school settings and on school transportation beginning Monday, Aug. 23, 2021.
Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick presented the layered approach, which she said aims to “maximize teaching and learning for students and staff, reduce time lost due to illness, quarantines, or school closure.” Her recommendations included daily self-checks for symptoms, emphasis on hand-washing and limited sharing of supplies, maintaining about 3 feet of physical distance where possible, using window fans to improve air circulation, limiting visitors and universal indoor masking with limited exceptions for eating, drinking or vaccinated staff when alone in a classroom or office.
Kirkpatrick stated, “Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021, face coverings will be required in all indoor settings and on all school transportation; bus and van for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status.” The committee discussed the proposal and considered alternatives.
A motion by School Committee member Viktoria Wood to make masking optional failed on a 2–3 vote (the minutes record the two 'yes' votes with initials V.W. and L.G.). The committee then voted 5–0 to authorize Superintendent Kirkpatrick to use her judgment in ensuring the school is safe to open and to revisit the masking decision at the Sept. 7, 2021 meeting. Before that vote, members requested that the superintendent distribute a survey to staff, students and parents, develop criteria that would justify eliminating universal masking, and research mask policies at other comparable island schools.
The committee’s action sets a firm start date for the masking requirement while leaving operational discretion with the superintendent pending stakeholder input and additional data. The committee will revisit the matter at its Sept. 7 meeting.
