Tempe Union HS Dist. Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate Starting Tuesday

TEMPE, AZ —The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) announced Thursday that it would lift the indoor mask mandate at its schools beginning on Tuesday.

The move was announced in a letter to TUHSD families written by Kevin J. Mendivil, the TUHSD superintendent.

"As a result of our metrics being in a favorable position and in consultation with our TUHSD Governing Board, beginning Tuesday, February 22, 2022, face masks will be optional indoors on all TUHSD campuses," Mendivil wrote.

The move will affect the district's 11,000 students at its six comprehensive high schools: Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Marcos de Niza, McClintock, Mountain Pointe and Tempe.

In making the announcement, Mendivil said face coverings still will be mandatory for students and staff on school busses and district transportation, which are part of the current federal order.

The superintendent said he realizes some district families still will choose to wear masks indoors, while others will not.

"At this time, both scenarios are appropriate and both scenarios need to be honored," Mendivil said.

In the letter, Mendivil strongly encouraged all THUSD students to continue to follow recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fight the spread of COVID, including:

• Taking advantage of vaccine opportunities, if eligible
• Practicing physical distancing to the extent possible
• Self-monitoring for signs of illness and staying home if not feeling well
• Practicing proper hygiene and being mindful of one's own personal space

"From the start of the pandemic, TUHSD has followed scientific data and evidence — this includes CDC guidance, consultation with Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), vaccination events and awareness, monitoring of transmission levels in our communities, and successful implementation of our mitigation strategies. We will continue with that same approach," Mendivil wrote.

Mendivil added: "As we have seen throughout the past two years, it is important that we stay flexible in order to meet any challenge that may arise. This could include the use of face coverings indoors for a period of time should community spread become substantial or high, as defined by the MCDPH."