SDOC Mask Policy Update

On May 12th, Governor McMaster released an executive order immediately allowing parents to decide if students wear face masks in classrooms.  The governor implemented the executive order without prior communication or consultation with school districts or without having the waiver form available. All districts received communication from the Department of Education after the governor’s executive order saying that SCDE face covering guidelines would remain in effect until they could provide further guidance to schools.  

As of approximately 10:45am this morning, the SC Department of Education rescinded the requirement that masks be worn in school buildings. 

BEGINNING THURSDAY, MAY 13TH MASKS WILL BE OPTIONAL IN ALL SDOC SCHOOL BUILDINGS

All other social distancing and cleaning protocols will continue to be in place in all buildings. If you are uncomfortable with this decision, please contact your child’s principal with concerns.

PLEASE NOTE:

GOV. MCMASTER’S EXECUTIVE ORDER DOES NOT AFFECT SCHOOL BUSES. MASKS WILL STILL BE REQUIRED BY STUDENTS AND STAFF ON SCHOOL BUSES AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL REGULATIONS.

Dr. Michael Thorsland, SDOC superintendent, said, “We were disappointed in the lack of communication and support shown to our schools by the governor with the announcement of his executive order last night.  The decision to release this order after school district offices were closed made today a very difficult day for our schools as there was no way for us to be prepared to implement his order today.   We appreciate the quick response by the SC Department of Education this morning in rescinding their mask mandate.   We understand this decision will cause concern for some in our district.  Please be assured that cleaning procedures and all other social distancing protocols will continue to be in place within our schools.”