BOONE, Iowa—The Boone School Board has voted 3-to-2 to implement a mask policy for students and staff pre-k thru 8th grade, effective Monday.  The motion stipulates it will last until the end of the semester or until a suitable vaccine is available or legal proceedings determine the current state law can be enforced.

A brief survey, conducted of district staff and patrons after the last regular school board meeting, had majority respondents opposed to a masking requirement.  Combining the results had 48% opposed to masking, 37% supporting a masking requirement and the remaining 15% undecided.

Public comments opposed to a mask requirement far outnumbered comments asking for masks to be used.  Most felt the choice should be left to the individual families.

There was a minor disruption as audience members yelled at the board and uttered profanities as the board conducted the vote.  The motion was made by Pat Thieben and seconded by Dr. Pam Nystrom.  Dr. Brian Mehlhaus cast the third vote.  Board members Matt Elthon and Jeremy Pritchard were opposed.

Last year, the district’s Return to Learn Plan contained metrics using COVID case numbers and percentages to determine when to change from in person classed to hybrid or online delivery.  That data is no longer available and hybrid and online learning are not permitted as a method of meeting the Department of Education’s attendance requirements.