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LEWISTOWN -- The Mifflin County School District will comply with the Pennsylvania Department of Health's mask-wearing mandate for schools announced last week by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Interim superintendent Vance Varner made the announcement in a letter sent to parents Saturday via the district's Skylert messaging system, which supersedes the 6-3 decision of the MCSD Board of Directors at the August voting meeting to refrain from mandating masks.
In the letter, Varner explains the rationale for compliance.
"As a commissioned officer of the state, I must comply with all federal and state laws, including state orders," Varner wrote. "Administrators and teachers are at risk of losing their professional certificates if they do not comply with this Order. The order by the Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health on August 31, 2021, is a legal order under the Disease Prevention and Control Law."
Varner said he has discussed and reviewed the law with the district's solicitor and they have both determined MCSD must comply.
The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology also announced Saturday it would enforce the mandate at its building, which accepts students from both the Mifflin County and Juniata County school districts.
The interim superintendent also said he is aware of lawsuits that have been filed challenging the order, meaning circumstances could change at any time.
Varner outlined how enforcement will work, with a first offense being addressed on an individual basis with the district providing instruction on proper mask wearing. He also said if needed, there would be conflict management sessions with students and parents. He also said a progressive discipline policy will be followed for those who come to school buildings but refuse to comply with the order.
The letter listed alternatives to in-person instruction for anyone who does not wish to comply and reminded parents who wish to claim a medical exemption to the mask order need to provide documentation to the school district for it to be considered and/or accepted.
He concluded by acknowledging his awareness of varying views on mask wearing while reiterating his goals and parents' goals are one in the same.
"We all have a common goal in educating our students and remaining (open) with in-person learning," Varner wrote. "I ask that you have conversations with your child about mask wearing, the PA DOH Order, and understanding the different views we all have on this issue. While we may disagree at times on a particular topic, we should not let those disagreements divide us in our community."
The order takes effect Tuesday, which is the first day of school for MCSD students.