School Board will consider recommending masks, but no mandate, for '21-'22

The St. Mary Parish School Board will consider whether to extend the mask rules revised for a summer program to the 2021-22 school year.

The board meets at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Central Office Complex in Centerville.

In June, the board revised the mask mandate for the Summer Adventure Program, making mask-wearing a recommendation but no longer a mandate except while riding a school bus, Superintendent Teresa Bagwell said in an email Wednesday.

“As we prepare for the new school year, I am asking that the board consider approving a continuation of that same protocol for the 2021-2022 school year,” Bagwell said.

Currently, the state allows local systems to make the decision and most are opting for recommending masks but not requiring them, especially for those who are vaccinated, Bagwell said.

Also on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting:

—Consider renewal of administrator contracts 2021-23.

—Approve revisions to the St. Mary Parish School Board Comprehensive Salary and
Job Classification 2021-2022

—Consider several insurance proposals, including those for casualty coverage, life insurance, student accident insurance and a renewal of the Medicare Advantage Plan for retirees.

—Consider approval of the 2021-22 pupil progression plan.

—Consider approval of the St. Mary Parish Strategic Plan for 2021-22.

—Recognize another of the district’s Word Millionaires, students who have read at least 1 million words. This month’s honoree will be Stanley Aucoin of Berwick Elementary.

The board may also go into closed session to talk about a lawsuit, Coulon vs. St. Mary Parish Board of Education.