AASD lifts mask rule
Students still must wear face coverings on buses, but not inside schools
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Starting today, Altoona Area School District students will no longer be required to wear masks inside district buildings, but masks will still be required on all district transportation.
In an email to district parents Sunday afternoon, Altoona Superintendent Charles A. Prijatelj said the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's move Friday to affirm the Commonwealth Court's order vacating the statewide masking mandate means students will no longer be required to wear face masks inside school buildings.
"As is stated in the AASD Health & Safety Plan, fully vaccinated students and staff are strongly encouraged to wear masks, however, due to the court's current ruling, masks are not required," Prijatelj's email read.
The district will require all non-vaccinated employees to wear masks while indoors, and masks for non-vaccinated students are encouraged, Prijatelj said. Masking will continue to be required under federal guidelines on all district transportation.
District administrators and school health personnel will continue to contact trace as COVID-19 cases are identified and quarantines may occur as a result of exposure, the email read.
The masking mandate "has been a passionate topic for many and the legal battles that have ensued have created frustration for all of us," Prijatelj noted.
"We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe environment for our students and staff," he said, adding, "the best place for student learning is in the classroom."
On Wednesday, the Hollidaysburg Area School Board voted 5-4 to approve optional masking for district students and staff.
The board also tabled a motion to eliminate contact tracing and quarantines.