The 2021-2022 school year will look much different from the last school year with its myriad of COVID-19 restrictions.
However, one thing that will look the same, at least initially, is the requirement to wear face masks on school buses. This requirement is part of a federal mandate regarding the wearing of face masks on all public transportation. This mandate was scheduled to expire in mid-September but has been extended into 2022.
Until the mandate expires, students and bus drivers WILL BE REQUIRED to wear a face mask while riding district school buses to and from school and on field trips.
As of Aug. 31, 2021, there are no mandates in place requiring wearing face masks in schools. Unless new federal, state, or local mandates are implemented, face masks will be optional in New Richmond Schools for the 2021-2022 school year.
Recently, Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation prohibiting public schools and universities from requiring students or staff to receive the emergency authorized COVID-19 vaccination to attend classes. The legislation also requires public schools and universities to treat COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated students and employees equally.
The legislation will not go into effect until mid-October. Regardless of the effective date, the New Richmond Board of Education affirmed that it will follow the guidance of the newly signed legislation.
Please watch for updates. Things could change if new mandates are issued.