Kent: Virus mask mandate on buses lifted

The requirement for Franklin County School District students and personnel to wear face masks while riding on all buses was officially lifted on Tuesday, March 8.

Superintendent of Education Chris Kent made the announcement on Monday morning with a brief statement to notify the community of the planned change.

“Masks on buses will no longer be mandated,” Kent wrote. “The mandate had been in effect for students and drivers riding school buses to and from classes each day along with all sports and field trips.”

The move comes two weeks after Kent announced plans to make mask use optional within all buildings and on school grounds.

The superintendent noted the recent declines in coronavirus infections community-wide played a key role in the decision.

Kent suggested he would consider loosening coronavirus-related protocols during the most recent school board meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

“Our decisions are based on what our district administrators believe will be in the interest of the health and safety of ever student and staff member,” he went on to say.
Other FCSD coronavirus guidelines that remain in effect include:

• If a student or district employee tests positive for COVID-19, they have to quarantine for a minimum of five days.

If they have no symptoms after five days, they can return to campus, and must wear a mask.

If they continue to have symptoms, they will need to stay home until all symptoms are gone.

• If a student or district employee is exposed to COVID-19 — whether at school, at home or in the community — they can come to school or work as long as they have no symptoms and wear a mask.

If they begin to show symptoms, they will need to go home and be tested.