SDOC Statement Concerning Mask Mandate

The School District of Oconee County Board of Trustees met for a special called board meeting Tuesday, August 31st, 2021.  The purpose of this meeting was to consider the possibility of a mask mandate for staff and students in response to legal cases currently before the SC Supreme Court.  Earlier in the day, the Court considered arguments in two cases that involve the implementation of mask mandates in K-12 schools but adjourned without issuing a decision.   The SDOC Board of Trustees listened to 30 minutes of public comment from parents and community members.   Dr. Thorsland gave an update on the current COVID-19 situation in schools. Following the update, board members discussed the current situation and asked questions about what the implementation of a mask mandate would involve.   The Board took no action at the meeting; instead expressing the desire to wait for a decision from the SC Supreme Court before considering the possible implementation of a mask mandate.