CRCSD Families and Staff,
The ruling related to the state law restricting mask mandates in schools was communicated today. As you are aware, we began the year under the Iowa Law which did not allow schools to implement mask mandates, then shifted mandates based on a temporary injunction of that law. Since mid-November an appeal to that injunction has been in consideration in the 8th Circuit Court. This ruling was announced today.
- CRCSD has always clearly stated that it will abide by any applicable Iowa laws. Therefore, in response to this ruling, we will eliminate the universal facial masking requirement within all CRCSD school buildings and related facilities effective Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
- Masks will continue to be required on buses as a federal mandate. On January 29, 2021, the CDC issued an order requiring masks on all public transportation including school buses. Until this order expires, CRCSD will continue to require masks on all school vehicles.
- Although masks are no longer required in CRCSD schools and facilities, CRCSD encourages continuation of facial masking due to the current COVID-19 transmission rate.
- CRCSD will continue to follow the 10-day isolation for COVID-19 positive students, and five days isolation and five days masking for COVID-19 positive staff members.
Please know, as we learn about this new ruling in the next few days/weeks, we may learn of situations where masks may be required again in accordance with this ruling.
We appreciate your support as we continue to navigate new information and guidelines within the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noreen Bush
Superintendent