by John McLoone

The Hastings School Board passed a policy at its meeting last Wednesday night on COVID-19 face coverings.

The matter has been much-debated, because there are instances where some students may not be able to wear a mask.

Under the “exceptions and alternatives” section of the ordinance, district-purchased face shields – plastic coverings – could be used at times.

“A face shield does not provide the same level of protection as a face covering,” the resolution states, but it can be used at certain times.

“A student in grades kindergarten through eighth grade may wear a face shield when wearing a face covering is problematic,” the resolution states.

Also: “A teacher of any grade level may wear a face shield when wearing a face covering may impede the educational process.”

•Students who can’t wear a face covering because of “developmental, medical or behavioral health condition may wear a face shield.”

Face coverings can be removed “in classes or activities conducted outdoors, though people participating in these activities should maintain six feet of distance to the extend possible.”

Other obvious times are allowed, during swimming or showering or eating or drinking.

“During indoor practices or performances involving singing, acting, public speaking or playing musical instruments where a face covering cannot be used while playing the instrument, though people participating in these activities should maintain six feet of distance to the extent possible,” the resolution stats.

Also, facemasks must be removed “when required by school staff for the purposes of identification.”

Other times they aren’t required are when

•”Staff (is) working alone in their offices, classrooms, vehicles or job locations that have no person-to-person interaction” •”Staff working in communal spaces that have barriers such as Plexiglass or cubicle walls between employees that are above face level.”

•When communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a disability, medical condition or mental health condition that makes communication with a face covering difficult provided that social distancing is maintained to the extent possible,” To implement the policy, it is being posted in each school building and communicated to staff, students and parents.

“The school district will provide face coverings and/or face shields to employees and students. Employees and students may choose to wear their own face covering as long as it covers the nose and mouth,” the policy states.

People who state medical reasons for not wearing face covering, “The school district may require an individual to provide a physician’s note and/or other relevant information.”

Requests for those accommodations will be subject to administrative review on a case-by-case basis. There are strict consequences for not following the new policy. The policy states:

•”Employees who fail or refuse to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline, as appropriate, up to an including the termination of employment.”

•”Students who fail or refuse to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline or removal from school property.”

Violators also could be prosecuted as a petty misdemeanor.

After discussion at several meetings, the board unanimous approved the policy.

In other business: Dakota County school superintendents are working with county officials to get COVID grant dollars earmarked to help with child care costs.

“It sounds like on Sept. 1, they’re going to be taking up a potential motion to approve dollars to help support our childcare and technology needs for district that are in Dakota County, so we might see some additional funding for those two purposes, which is definitely needed,” said McDowell. “We had to subsidize childcare in the spring because of the immense costs that go along with that program. So cross your fingers for that one.”

“That was great news,” school board President Kelsey Waits said. “It’s exciting to hear that we have some more relief fund dollars coming our way.”