July 28th, 2021
Dear families,
SCV35 recently announced that face coverings were no longer required for staff or students on school premises based on recent legislation.
This revision of our mask policy complies with House Bill 2898 that was passed by the Arizona legislators and signed by Governor Ducey on June 30, 2021.
The K-12 education; budget reconciliation: 2021-2022 Bill included the addition of a new section, Section 15-342.05 Face coverings: requirement prohibition.
This section states:
A. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW OR ORDER, A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN, SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD OR CHARTER SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY MAY NOT REQUIRE THE USE OF FACE COVERINGS BY STUDENTS OR STAFF DURING SCHOOL HOURS AND ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
B. A SCHOOL DISTRICT OR CHARTER SCHOOL MAY NOT REQUIRE A STUDENT OR TEACHER TO RECEIVE A VACCINE FOR COVID-19 OR TO WEAR A FACE COVERING TO PARTICIPATE IN IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION.
However, the Center for Disease Control issued an order on January 29, 2021 requiring anyone who travels using a mode of public transportation to wear a face covering. According to the CDC, "The Order applies to all public transportation conveyances traveling into the United States or within the United States, including school buses.
Therefore, the following protocols for the 2021-2022 school year will be as follows:
• The District will require face coverings for staff and students while traveling on school buses and all school vehicles (i.e. vans, sedans, etc.). The District will continue to encourage all staff and students to wear face coverings while on school property.
• The District will follow enhanced cleaning protocols as defined by the CDC
• The District will have PPE available upon request for staff and students.
Please send any questions to [email protected].
Sincerely,
David Y. Verdugo
Superintendent
Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35