Fairfield schools again require face masks

Beginning Monday, the Fairfield Community School District will require face masks for all students, faculty and staff.

A split school board voted 4-3 Monday night to amend its Return to Learn plan to require masks whenever the CDC guidance for Jefferson County calls for them.

“I feel much more sure now making these decisions than I did last year,” board Vice President Frank Broz said, noting that the CDC now has clearer guidance than last year. “Masks should be required based on CDC guidance.”

The CDC’s COVID Data Tracker currently lists Jefferson County as high community transmission and recommends that everyone should wear a mask in public, indoor settings.

“The CDC recommends universal indoor masking,” board member Debi Plum said. “Our county numbers are going up every week. We’re at the same point where we were last November when it was at its worst.”

Board member Tim Bower said that, while he is not an advocate for masks, “there are times when you’ve got to wear them.”

Bower suggested using a matrix to determine when masks should and should not be used.

Board member Kelly Scott agreed, saying, “I believe in versatility.”

Board member John McKerley said that using a matrix that institutes mask-wearing only after COVID cases have spiked is like “closing a barn door after the horse is out of the gate.”

“This is not a matter of personal choice,” McKerley said. “It’s a matter of public health.”

Plum pointed out that the judge who issued the temporary restraining order against the state law that bars school districts from implementing mask mandates said that the law could potentially be a violation of civil rights.

“We have to protect everyone,” Plum said. “We are here to offer school for everyone, not just those who are comfortable not wearing masks.”

Members of the public had the chance to weigh in on the issue early during Monday’s meeting.

Deborah Sidoreus said that the CDC changes its guidance “more than farmers plow their fields.”

Sidoreus argued that parents should make the decision about masks for their children.

“You don’t get to make the decision for our children,” she said.

Ed Hipp expressed concerns about masks being unhealthy for children and would “suffocate the kids.”

“Please let our kids breathe and show their faces freely,” Hipp said.

Joseph Perna argued that both masks and vaccines should be banned and that he would not vote for any board member who supports them.

Retired pediatrician Dr. David Sands said that mask wearing does not reduce oxygenation in children.

“Wearing masks is a problem for parents,” Sands said. “Kids pick up cues from their parents.”

Broz offered the motion to amend the Return to Learn plan to require masks when the CDC guidance recommends them.

While the final vote was 4-3 – Bower, Scott and board President Christi Welsh voted no – all board members said that they would support the decision of the board.

Superintendent Laurie Noll asked for time to implement the plan.

“I would like to inform all students and faculty,” Noll said. “I would like (the mask policy) to start next Monday.”

The board agreed that the policy would go into effect on Monday, Sept. 27.

Comments: james.jennings@southeastiowaunion.com