Andover Schools To Require Masks Indoors For All Students, Staff

ANDOVER, MA — All students, staff and visitors at Andover Public Schools will be required to wear masks when indoors, the School Committee voted Monday.

The committee approved a revised version of its 2020-2021 school year face coverings policy for the coming year, likely at least until November.

The mandate applies to vaccinated people.

"We currently anticipate this protocol will be in effect until November, however, we may make adjustments sooner based on recommendations from our local health officials and district medical staff," Superintendent Magda Parvey said in a letter to the community.

The policy follows guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and local health officials, according to the letter.

Families can request exemptions with a written note from a physician, Parvey said.

"Accommodations will be made for those individuals for whom face masks are not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, a significant impediment to communication or other health or safety factors, which for students, may include behavioral challenges," she said. "Families may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver."

The revised policy is available here. The district plans to release more information in the coming weeks.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.