NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s back to the drawing board in Neenah after a vote failed on a plan to make masking optional for students.
The vote failed 6-3 this week. Communications manager Jim Strick believes the plan was rejected for a variety of reasons, including where to draw the line on when additional restrictions could trigger in case of an outbreak.
“I think the biggest one was the restrictions that would go into place if we were to have cases in our schools and things like that, we didn’t have any firm data behind that of how many cases would trigger mask wearing or whatever,” said Strick.
The district isn’t wasting any time on coming up with a plan that works for the school board. A new proposal is expected to be discussed at a special meeting next Tuesday.
“I think a lot of people like the idea of restrictions going into place as needed throughout the school year,” said Strick. “It’s just a matter of I think figuring out where those thresholds are that would trigger ok now everybody in this class has to wear a mask.”
This week the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended all students and staff should wear masks.
The CDC says masks should only be required for unvaccinated students.
When asked about that differing guidance, state health officials reiterated it is up to each district.
“It’s looking at a combination of how prevalent is disease in your community, how high are vaccination rates and then what are the different levels of protection that we need to provide to our students,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, Wisconsin Deputy Secretary for the Department of Health Services.
According to DHS data, 55.8% of residents in Neenah’s school boundaries have received at least one dose of a vaccine.
If Neenah’s school board does not come up with a policy, the district’s summer school policy will remain in place. It states if students show proof of vaccination, they do not have to wear a mask. Masks are not required for any students if they are outside or spaced six feet apart.
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