East Carter board divided on mask policy

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ELLSINORE — Conversations continue among East Carter R-II school board members on whether to implement a districtwide mask mandate.

During last week’s board meeting, members voted 3-3 on the issue, with one board member absent.

Members will meet again at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the school cafeteria.

Superintendent Richard Sullivan said the district is lucky there hasn’t been more confirmed COVID-19 cases, but contact tracing means students still are out of school.

According to information on the district’s website, almost 100 students are out for active contacts between the elementary, middle and high schools.

Meanwhile, there are three active cases between the schools.

Sullivan said if the board approves his recommendation, more students could stay in school.

His recommendation aligns with Gov. Mike Parson’s changes released last week.

Parson announced a new guidance Nov. 12, which says “proper mask wearing may now prevent individuals from being identified as close contacts in K-12 schools that have implemented a mask mandate.”

If a student or teacher is wearing a mask, he or she will not be sent home in contact tracing, but should still monitor for symptoms and stay home at the first sign of illness.

Sullivan said he’s heard from parents both in support of and against a mask mandate.