February 14, 2022
Dear Franklin Community,
You may be aware that last week, Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley held a press conference announcing that DESE, after consulting with medical experts and state health officials, will not extend the state mask requirement in school buildings after it expires on February 28, 2022. The memorandum can be accessed here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf
Without a state order, the decision on masking falls to local decision making. The Franklin School Committee is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM to discuss masking.
The meeting will be held in Town Council Chambers (limited in person seating); the meeting may also be viewed on Zoom or through Franklin TV. The agenda can be accessed here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf
Individuals who wish to express their opinions should e-mail the School Committee. E-mailing the committee can be accessed at the following address:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/webforms/email-us
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/webforms/email-us
As for Franklin High School, FHS received a waiver from the state in November because over 80% of the population at Franklin High School had been vaccinated. The School Committee amended their policy in November to allow for masks to be optional at FHS for vaccinated individuals if the 14-day % positivity rate is below 4% (the current rate is above 4%). Therefore, masks are still required at FHS currently. Optional masking at FHS will also be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting.
Masking will continue to be required on all school buses, per federal order. Masking is also required, per DPH, in school health offices.
Kind regards,
Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools
PDF copy of the letter can be found here ->
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