Oconee schools to “stay the course” with masks

Regardless of what Governor McMaster said yesterday, Oconee’s public schools will keep intact the requirement to wear masks in its classrooms and on its buses.  This afternoon Oconee School District acknowledged that the governor on yesterday said he believes the decision to wear masks should no longer be mandated by a school district.  Yet, according to the school district, McMaster did not follow his comments with an executive order.  Here’s what Oconee School District is standing behind:  “As of Thursday, April 28th, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has not rescinded their Face Covering Guidelines for K-12 Public Schools which require masks to be worn on school buses and in school facilities.  As a district, we must comply with SCDE’s guidelines….”  One relaxation, however, is that effective immediately, masks will be optional for all SDOC-sponsored outdoor activities.  Outdoor events at district outside Oconee may still require facial coverings.  Dr. Thorsland, district superintendent, added these comments:  “With the availability of the vaccine and with case numbers dropping, many people feel now is the time to eliminate masks in general, and particularly in schools.  We understand that but also know the importance of the upcoming testing for students.  The assessment data is vital as our schools and teachers work to overcome the learning loss that has occurred during the pandemic.  The best way to ensure as many students as possible participate in that testing is to continue to require masks until after testing finishes. Of course, if we receive updated guidelines from the state department of if the governor signs an executive order, we will certainly comply but for now we are going to stay the course with our current mask guidelines.”