VCSB Addresses Face Covering Issue

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UPDATE:  Anyone who enters a Volusia County Schools campus is required to wear a mask. The Volusia County School Board approved an emergency policy regarding masks. This policy expires in 90 days. The policy calls compliance a "health issue" not a discipline issue. VCSB members will use the next 90 days to come up with a "permanent" policy.

DeLand, FL - The Volusia County School Board got a lot of housekeeping done during yesterday's (July 28) meeting in preparation for upcoming budget talks.  Also on the agenda was the use of face coverings, when they should be worn and when they shouldn't.  Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert, who was in a several hour bargaining session on Monday and has just begun another session this morning at 7 a.m., says they will try to adhere to the VCSB's decision. "Our position has always been that we need to follow the  CDC guidelines. If we're serious about reducing the cases and eliminating community spread, we need to get serious about doing what we know creates positive change. Face coverings is one of them."

Today's bargaining session has a discussion of the Volusia Live learning option. They'll discuss a survey asking how members think early release times should be utilized.  Because the school start date has been pushed back to August 31, there will only be six early release days. The district proposed using March 17, 31, and April 7, 14, 21, and 28 as Early Release Days. All other Wednesdays would be regular school days.

Albert said they'll also discuss some leave concerns that VUE has for next year.  Five more bargaining sessions are scheduled through next Thursday (August 6).

Albert said the thing she'd like most and what she thinks would be the most helpful in reopening schools is for everyone to follow the CDC guidelines. "If the opening of our schools, the brick and mortar method, is critical to reinvigorating our communities and getting back to what we know we need to do then we need the community to follow CDC guidelines. Wear a mask, socially distance, and avoid convening in large groups."

Volusia United Educators, Volusia County School Board