Update on the February 28th School Committee Meeting

Dear ​Salem Public Schools community,

Last night the School Committee met to discuss shifts to our health and safety guidance, including masking. Following deliberation and hearing from the public, the School Committee took the following steps:

• Voted to allow the students from the Salem High School boys basketball team and the Salem High School and Collins Middle School drama production to be mask optional when actively participating and to require rapid tests for extra safety measures. If they are sitting on the bench or are backstage, they are required to wear masks. Community members attending these activities as spectators are still required to wear a mask when inside our buildings.
• Requested Salem’s Health Advisors, a group of district stakeholders and experts that has been advising the district throughout the pandemic, to convene and provide a specific recommendation to the School Committee on Monday, March 7th regarding the right level of mitigation, including masking, by reviewing health trends and metrics. The School Committee is expected to then vote on March 7th regarding any changes, including any potential change in the mask policy adopted in August.

We appreciate the thoughtful and respectful input that we have received from the community. It has been incredibly helpful to hear the perspectives of our students, staff, and families as we navigate the impact of the virus and work to ensure a safe and supportive public school district for all our students and staff.