H-M-S implements district-wide mask requirement

Effective Tuesday, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District is now requiring that facemasks be worn whenever social distancing is not possible.

School board members voted on Monday to remove language in the district's return to learn plan recommending optional use of face coverings and replace it with a requirement that they be worn.

"I would entertain the idea of continuing that for grades K-12 when unable to social distance until the January board meeting, and then revisit it," said Board Vice President Scott Vollink.

The motion to approve the mandate was made by Vollink and seconded by Board Member Dave Vander Broek. All members voted in favor except Chad Lyman, who did not state why he did so.

Information released by Superintendent Patrick Carlin to district families late on Monday said the requirement includes all school activities and transportation. Students currently being quarantined by public health were advised to continue to do so and other illness mitigation strategies should also be followed.

"I'm in favor of wearing masks when unable to social distance and keep these kids in school," said Board President Scott Heetland. "I just hate to have to do it for the long term."

According to discussion, the district received a shipment of 500 student masks on Friday and had earlier acquired the same number of adult masks.

Those present watched Gov. Kim Reynolds' statewide address in which she issued further mitigation measures to control the spread of COVID-19. She said the number of confirmed cases in Iowa over the last two weeks is the same as those reported from March through mid-August.

As a result, Reynolds issued a proclamation limiting public gatherings and requiring that masks be worn in indoor public spaces whenever people cannot social distance for 15 minutes or longer. She encouraged everyone to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 "because it's the right thing to do."

Board Member Ryan Haack, who voiced opposition to similar board action on Nov. 5, said the district has implemented several strategies to keep H-M-S student safe.

"Local control is a priority for me and our board. We also follow recommendations," he said. "I can support this to meet the guidelines and the governor's mandate, and for no other reason."

Haack and Heetland also responded to the tone and language of some communications they had received regarding the special meeting. Both said that board members do care about students and their safety, and take that responsibility seriously.

Haack added that he hoped those who are passionate about the mask mandate will express similar concern about other issues faced by H-M-S students.

Vander Broek said that he did not receive the negative letters but felt those that attacked others were "despicable." He is hopeful the mandate will work to keep students in school.

"I have a lot of confidence in our faculty and other staff that we can do this successfully," he said.

A small group of patrons were present. Those who spoke were disappointed that the board did not act earlier but were glad to see steps being taken.

"It is crucial to keep all kids safe," said Jennie Rons.

Melissa Newkirk asked if the mask requirement included those times when students and staff were moving through district facilities. Carlin said the mandate will apply whenever individuals cannot be spaced more than six feet apart.