At least nine of the 20 largest US school districts are making masks optional for students
Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag
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Students wearing masks head to lunch break during summer school at Hooper Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles on June 23.
By Elizabeth Stuart, CNN
As the new school year quickly approaches, at least nine of the 20 largest school districts in the US are making masks optional for students in school while another nine are requiring masks.
Two districts remain undecided with just weeks left until schools plan to open their doors.
With varying rules for indoors and outdoors, and with vaccines only available to children older than 12, back-to-school is not as clear cut as parents might have hoped it would be. And whatever the rules are today, the districts are making it clear that they will continue to change their guidance according to local public health conditions even after the school year starts.
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Guilford County Schools Superintendent proposes budget recommendation for 2021-22
“We have to increase our local teacher and principal pay supplements in order to compete with other districts across the state and nationally,” Contreras said. Author: Brian Bennett Updated: 10:16 PM EDT April 20, 2021
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. A list of priorities outlined by Superintendent Dr. Sharon L. Contreras in her proposed 2021-2022 district budget included reopening schools for all students, accelerating student learning, and increasing teacher and staff pay.
Contreras proposed an operating budget of $742,817,282 and a total budget of $807,342, 432, which includes capital expenses and enterprise funds such as school nutrition. The recommended budget includes a $25 million increase in local operating funds and $10 million in local funding for capital outlay.
Mike Parker
The Republican-led legislature passed Senate Bill 37 mandating that all schools from grades K-12 must provide an option for in-person instruction. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the bill, claiming the legislation threatened the health and safety of students just when the pandemic seemed to be waning.
“Students learn best in the classroom and I have strongly urged all schools to open safely to in-person instruction and the vast majority of local school systems have done just that,” the governor wrote in his veto message.
“However, Senate Bill 37 falls short in two critical areas. First, it allows students in middle and high school to go back into the classroom in violation of NC Department of Health and Human Services and CDC health guidelines. Second, it hinders local and state officials from protecting students and teachers during an emergency.”