Board adopts face covering policy
The Little Miami Board of Education formally adopted a policy that spells out face covering rules for the 2020-2021 school year at its meeting on July 28.
Aug. 15 Update: The Ohio Department of Health stated in its completed order that face shields are not suitable face coverings for school settings. Because of this guidance, face shields will not be permitted for Little Miami students and staff.
Policy EBEA is a required policy that enumerates the types of face coverings that can be worn, who must wear them and the consequences for those who violate the policy.
Read the complete policy here.
The use of face coverings is one part of the comprehensive plan in place for students and staff health heading into school this fall. Even prior to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s announcement that students in grades K-12 must wear face coverings, Little Miami had decided to require face coverings at school and on district buses.
The new policy spells out several exceptions to the face covering requirements. Exceptions to the policy may be made for:
- Children younger than 2 years old;
- Anyone who has trouble breathing;
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance;
- Facial coverings are in violation of documented industry standards;
- Facial coverings will significantly interfere with the learning process;
- Facial coverings are in violation of documented safety policies or documented industry standards
“As we prepare to formally reopen, our students and families should take time to review this policy and be aware of processes for exceptions as well as disciplinary consequences for noncompliance,” Superintendent Greg Power said.
