‘Masks will be expected to be worn by staff and students’-CC Schools

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – At last week’s regular monthly meeting of the Campbell County Board of Education, when the subject of whether or not to require the wearing of face masks by all teachers and staff was brought up, the board failed to make a decision, leaving the question to the discretion of the director of schools. 

On Monday morning, Director of Schools Jennifer Fields shared with WLAF a release she issued to all staff members on Friday:

“Governor Lee’s Executive Order 55 stated that masks are strongly encouraged and the East TN Regional Health Officer, Dr. Tara Sturdivant, urged that the language and expectation be changed in our reopening plan to reflect the advisement.  When guidance on best practices is given, failure to comply then creates a situation of potential negligence.  We never want to put our students and staff at risk and want to remain vigilant in the mitigation of COVID-19.”

When asked “Does this mean that the language and expectation were changed in the reopening plan, and the plan now reflects that advisement,” Fields said, “Yes, the plan was changed.”  The director noted that the reopening plan was updated under sections:  Health and Safety and * Additional Precautions (Masks will be expected to be worn by staff and students).

Fields shared two other documents; The Tennessee Department of Health Recommendation for the Management of COVID-19 in Schools and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order No. 55.

See last week’s story on the BOE meeting HERE and/or watch the meeting on demand HERE.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 08/18/2020-6AM)