BREAKING: MASK MANDATE ISSUED FOR PRE K-6 GRADE IN LOVELAND SCHOOLS

Loveland School Board Special Meeting ends with change in Facial Mask policy

By Chuck Gibson 

LOVELAND, OH (August 20, 2021) – In a 4-1 vote, the Loveland School Board approved a resolution to give LCSD Superintendent Mike Broadwater the discretionary authority to set student masking requirements.  

Before the meeting adjourned, Broadwater recommended a change in the masking policy requiring facial masking be worn by  students Pre K -6 grade indoors.  Students grade 7-12 will remain under the present parental choice resolution with no mask required, but “strongly recommended”. The School Board voted 3-2 to support the new masking rules. The rules are effective beginning with the return to classrooms Monday, August 23, 2021. 

Additionally, LCSD staff will be required to mask for Pre K -12.  The issue of medical waivers was also addressed in the final message released by  Superintendent Mike Broadwater. 

Here is the full text of the Superintendent’s message released approximately 10 p.m. Friday night: 

Loveland Tiger Families,

During a Special Meeting of the Board of Education tonight, our existing mask policy 8450.01 – USE OF FACE COVERINGS/MASKS was revised by a 4-1 vote of the Board. The new policy allows the Superintendent of Loveland City Schools to set student masking requirements.

Operating under that new policy, I have set the following masking guidelines for Loveland City Schools, effective Monday, August 23, 2021. Students in grades PreK-6 will be required to wear a mask indoors. Students in grades 7-12 will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask, but parental choice will remain in effect. Our staff will be masking PreK-12. Please know our staff will work with all of our students as we transition into this change on Monday. A medical waiver form will be released on Monday for any of our students who have qualified medical exceptions. Your building administrators will work with families during the waiver process.

Additionally, the Board voted 3-2 in support of the recommended change in masking rules.

A reminder that masks will continue to be mandatory on our school buses due to federal requirements for public transportation.

The Board and I have received many, many emails about this issue over the last few weeks, and they have been very respectful. We have read each of them. We are empathetic to the strong emotions involved in this issue because it relates to the safety of our children.

I appreciate all of our parents and community members for their respectful attendance at tonight’s Special Board Meeting. I know these decisions are very difficult and I appreciate the cooperation that was shown by all.

Respectfully,

Mike Broadwater,

Superintendent, Loveland City Schools