Dear MMUUSD Families/Caregivers and Staff,
Governor Scott announced on Tuesday, February 15th, the state will not extend the masking requirement for Vermont schools after the current deadline of February 28th. The new guidance, which will begin after February 28th, will no longer require the use of masks for schools that have a vaccination rate of 80% of all eligible students. This is encouraging news and we are eager to return to more "normal" school environments. However, there are outstanding questions that need to be answered as well as receipt of verified vaccination data from the state.
Some important points:
- The change in the masking requirement is only for schools with a vaccination rate of 80% or higher; all other schools must continue masking in accordance with the Governor's guidelines.
- The state will verify each school's vaccination rate, but this data is not yet available. Superintendents have not been informed as to when this data will be provided.
- School districts have not received written guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) or Vermont Department of Health.
Similar to other COVID procedure and guidance changes, this announcement requires us to consider our local context, review written guidance and information and have our questions addressed by state agencies. Once we have had an opportunity to study and process this information, we will offer you more details regarding how changes to our COVID practices will be implemented. In addition, MMUUSD is coordinating and working with districts in our region (i.e. Addison, Chittenden and Franklin counties) to develop common plans so there is consistency for students, families/caregivers and staff in the Champlain Valley.
We recognize that changes to our COVID practices and procedures can cause a range of emotions and perspectives. Accordingly, the District is taking a very intentional and measured approach to modifications to our COVID plans. We are grateful and excited that COVID conditions are improving in Vermont and in our District. We look forward to sharing updates to our COVID plans with you soon.
At this point, MMUUSD schools will continue to require masks when students and staff return on March 2nd. If we have the information we need to adjust our COVID plans and the number of positive cases have not significantly increased after February break, we will be prepared to follow the Governor's and AOE's guidance in March.
Thank you for your support, kindness and patience as we move to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best regards,
John Alberghini, MMUUSD Superintendent