Schools
North Andover School Committee To Discuss Mask Mandate Thursday
The district's mask mandate currently remains in place regardless of the Feb. 28 expiration of the state requirement.
NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover school officials will discuss the district's mask mandate at the School Committee meeting Thursday evening.
The meeting is set to begin at 7 p.m. in the Select Board Conference Room, 120 Main Street. The mask rule discussion is scheduled for 8:15 p.m., according to the agenda.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Feb. 9 that the state requirement will end Feb. 28, leaving mask policies up to districts.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The North Andover School Committee voted in August to put in place an indoor mask requirement, affirming the state policy at the time. That policy has not been rescinded, meaning it remains in place regardless of the state rule expiring.
The agenda contains no recommendation to the School Committee, leaving it up to them to "vote to retain, revise, or rescind the Mask/Face Covering Policy EBCFA."
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
North Andover officials have in recent weeks been discussing a potential policy change for schools that reach 80 percent vaccination. Those schools were already eligible to lift mask mandates, with state waivers.
As of Thursday, 64 percent of residents 5 to 19 were fully vaccinated, according to state data. Nineteen percent were boosted.
Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.
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