BOONE, Iowa—At the recommendation from staff, the Boone School Board voted unanimously to allow the district’s masking requirement to expire at the end of the school day on December 22nd. Board member Matt Elthon questioned waiting until the 22nd rather than ending the requirement immediately.  Superintendent Julie Trepa said the staff’s recommendation took into account opportunities for more students to complete or near the completion of getting vaccinations.  She said the recommendation was made even though local positivity rates for COVID Testing has risen from less than 6% to double digit with more hospitalizations.  The majority of the cases have reportedly been among those that are unvaccinated.

The district masking requirement only affected PK-8 students.  In September the Board voted 3-2 to implement masking as long is could be legally enforced, proper vaccinations were in place with a sufficient vaccination rate or until the first semester is completed which is January 7th.  Voluntary masking is still an option for families.