AUG. 17, 2021 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Public Relations Director

352.671.7555 ◊ FAX: 352.671.7735 ◊ CELL: 352.840.3265

Email:  Public.Relations@Marion.k12.fl.us

MARION SCHOOL BOARD ADOPTS FACE COVERING RESOLUTION

WITH OPT-OUT CLAUSE

MARION COUNTY – Starting this Thursday, students and employees of Marion County Public Schools must wear face coverings on school property when they cannot safely social distance or if they have not opted out.

Students can opt out with parental permission. Employees can opt out with a documented medical condition. Regardless, the district continues stressing the importance of staying home if students or employees are sick or waiting on COVID-19 test results.

Marion County School Board members approved the new face covering resolution by a 3-1 vote at an emergency meeting Monday. The measure is meant to reduce community spread of COVID-19 and the number of people impacted.

The specific resolution language is being prepared and will remain in place until the local positivity rate and rate of new cases per 100,000 persons (as reported by the Centers for Disease Control) declines to the “substantial” level or lower for at least two weeks. The district will monitor this in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.  

The resolution applies to all school property including classrooms, cafeterias, auditoriums, buses, Marion AfterSchool Programs, etc. Indoor events such as extra-curricular activities require masks for adults and visitors.  Students and employees must wear them unless they have opted out.

The resolution does NOT apply to outdoor activities like physical education, recess, outside learning, dining, etc.   Face covering “break areas” will also be available to all students.

An opt-out form is available at www.marionschools.net and school websites.  The form will also be emailed via Skylert messaging, linked on Twitter, and posted electronically in Family Access accounts.

Schools are receiving supplies of disposable paper masks that will be replenished as needed. Students visiting school health clinics will be required to wear masks while in the clinic. Refusal to comply with the face covering resolution could result in a dress code infraction for students and discipline for employees.

For more information, contact the MCPS Public Relations Office.

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