School Committee To Discuss Mask Mandate Monday

ANDOVER, MA — Andover school officials will meet Monday to discuss a potential indoor mask mandate for the 2021-2022 school year.

The proposed policy, which the School Committee discussed at their regular meeting Monday, makes some minor changes to the 2020-2021 rules. Face coverings would not be required outside.

The board received public comments both for and against having a mask mandate. Opponents argued that the virus is not a major risk to children and wanted a return to normalcy, while proponents said masking is less effective if it is not universal.

School officials noted that the state expects all students to be in school full time in the coming school year, potentially raising the importance of mitigation measures like masking.

The board also heard from town officials on the current status of the virus in Andover. More than two-thirds of the town is vaccinated and roughly two-thirds of recent positives are among unvaccinated residents, Health Director Tom Carbone said. Those under 12 cannot yet get vaccinated.

Committee chair Susan McCready suggested they come back in a week to make a decision, allowing officials to discuss two topics raised by committee members: the policy's exceptions and the authority delegated to the superintendent.

The proposed policy is included in the agenda for Monday's meeting.

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