Davenport School District Passes Mask Mandate, Starts Monday

Last night, the Davenport Community School Board voted 5-2 to put a mask mandate back into place. Thursday night's meeting was held after a federal judge put a temporary restraining order on a law passed back in May by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

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On Thursday, we told you about a special meeting being held by the Davenport Community School District and their Board to discuss bringing back a mask mandate to the district. The meeting was held at 5:00 p.m. last night where the topic of a mask mandate for the district was discussed and action was taken.

Back in May, Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law Iowa Code § 280.31 that bans schools from mandating masks. On Monday, a federal judge blocked that ban and issued a temporary restraining order after a group of Iowa parents filed a lawsuit against the state. Gov. Reynolds plans to appeal the restraining order.

With the restraining order in place on that law, districts throughout the state of Iowa have been voting and discussing whether or not to reinstitute mandates in schools. One of those school districts being the Davenport Community Schools District.

Ahead of last night's special meeting, parents, students, staff, and community members were able to fill out a Google Form from the DCSD Administration and Board of Directors to give input ahead of last night's meeting. Those who wanted to give input for last night's special meeting were asked to provide comments before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

All comments were shared with the DCSD Board of Directors and attached to the minutes of the Special Call Meeting.

After discussing and hearing input from the community, parents, students, and staff, the Davenport Community School Board voted 5-2 to once again implement a mask mandate which begins Monday, September 20th.

After last night's vote Superintendent TJ Schneckloth issued this statement:

Dear DCSD Families and Staff,

On Monday, September 13, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa issued a temporary restraining order regarding the State of Iowa’s current mask requirement ban.  With the issue of this temporary order, until further notice, Iowa school districts can require face masks in schools.

Following a special Board meeting on Thursday, September 16, the Davenport Community School District is implementing a face mask requirement for all students, staff, and visitors in our buildings and on our campuses effective Monday, September 20, 2021 and until further notice. This decision is largely based on the CDC’s strong recommendation that face masks be worn in schools, regardless of a person's vaccination status. This requirement also aligns with the advice of our local Scott County Public Health Department.

While this requirement includes all individuals in our buildings, it does not include participants or spectators at outdoor events.  Students actively participating in athletic competitions, whether indoors or outdoors, are not required to wear masks.  Students and staff on the sidelines or bench are required to wear masks.

As a reminder and in compliance with the President’s Executive Order on domestic transportation, students and staff are required to wear a face-covering while on a school bus or while utilizing other District-provided transportation. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in loss of bus riding privileges.

Thank you for your continued cooperation,

Sincerely,

Superintendent TJ Schneckloth

More information can be found on their website.