After the Lafayette Parish School Board voted to lift the mask mandate in their schools on Wednesday, we reached out to other public school systems in Acadiana on their mask mandate statuses.
Here's what we've been told by Acadiana's superintendents and spokespersons:
ACADIA: Acadia will follow the most recent Executive Order from the Governor regarding facial coverings. We will move forward with facial coverings being strongly recommended but not mandated for summer programming; and, require masks for bus transportation staff as well as students that ride buses for summer programming. At the same time, we'll continue to closely monitor positivity rates and work with the LA Dept of Health in this regard.
CALCASIEU: Last week members of the Calcasieu Parish School Board voted to remove COVID-19 related restrictions or processes following the end of the semester. Governor John Bel Edwards’ mask mandate is in place for all public school settings until the end of the semester, which for us is actually today. Following that mandate expiring, the vote of the board members lifts the mask mandate and other restrictions moving forward. Masks can be worn by faculty, staff, and students on a voluntary basis.
EVANGELINE: Effective 6-7-2021, face coverings/masks may be worn on a voluntary basis throughout the Evangeline Parish School District until further notice.
IBERIA: Masks are optional in offices and summer programs in Iberia Parish.
JEFF DAVIS: We lifted ours the last day of school, just in time for summer programming.
LAFAYETTE: The Lafayette Parish School Board voted during Wednesday's meeting to remove the mask mandate on school campuses, effective immediately.This decision applies only to school facilities, and masks are still mandated on school buses, a release from LPSS states.
ST. LANDRY: Effective immediately and for the 2021-2022 school year, all St. Landry Parish students and staff will no longer be required to wear masks while inside or outside of any St. Landry Parish School facilities except on the school buses. This also includes visitors. If parents, students, or staff wish to continue to wear masks while at school, they may do so. This is subject to change and the St. Landry Parish School District will comply with any future reinstatement of mandatory mask-wearing within our schools if it is deemed necessary by a state public health officer as per CDC’s guidelines. This is to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. If the Governor should end the mask mandate for transportation, we will also compile with his executive action.
ST. MARTIN: We will follow the governor's order and require masks through the last day of school on June 9th. Beginning on June 10th masks will be voluntary for employees and for students in our summer programs.
VERMILION: We are not wearing masks for summer school but we have not officially made a decision with our school board at this time. The School Board will meet for a decision in two weeks.
ST MARY: On May 27th during a special board meeting the wearing of masks was revised to a recommendation and not a requirement during the summer. Masks will be required when riding a bus. Decision on the fall session will be made at a later date. We will follow all recommendations of the governor.
