Brookings Schools begin year with masks optional

Today is the first day of school and the Brookings School Board passed a return to school plan that calls for masks optional. School Superintendent Klint Willert says that plan remains in place; masks are encouraged but optional for students and staff.

Willert says that could change if circumstances make it necessary to take further steps. He says they will continue to consider the impact of the virus in the schools. the impact in the community and the impact to the health care system.

Willert says the district’s leadership and school board take student and staff safety seriously.

He says several strategies remain in place to mitigate the impact of Covid-19. Willert says that includes the district’s “considerable efforts in place to clean and disinfect surfaces.” In addition, regular handwashing and physical distancing are encouraged, parents are asked to complete daily health checks on their children before sending them to school and students with symptoms are immediately sent home. Nursing hours have also been increased.

Willert says there are also options available for medically fragile students.

August 25, 2021