PROCEDURE ON WEARING MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS FOR NIXA

 The District is mindful of the evolving need for emergency measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In consideration of the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Missouri Department of Health, and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the District is adopting this emergency procedure for all students, employees, and visitors of Nixa Public Schools pursuant to the Board’s Resolution in Response to COVID-19 Health Emergency.

STUDENTS

Until further action of the District, all students in kindergarten through the 12th grade shall be required to wear a mask or face covering (a) while attending school or a school function in any school building, facility, or other area of a school campus, and (b) when riding in school-provided transportation. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the student. This procedure applies to students waiting outside school buildings before and after school and to students waiting at bus stops. Students shall wear masks and face coverings at all times except for the following:

•   Students may remove masks and face coverings for eating or drinking;
•   Students may remove masks and face coverings when appropriate social distancing measures are in place as determined by a school administrator;
•   Students may be exempted from this procedure by the school principal due to a documented medical condition of the student;
•   Students may remove masks and face coverings on a case-by-case basis for specific instructional needs and other activities, as determined by a school administrator, in which case the school administrator will utilize appropriate social distancing measures; or
•   Students may be exempted from this procedure due to special behavioral or individualized needs as determined by the Executive Director of Special Services.

Students who refuse to wear a mask or face covering at school or at a school function under this procedure shall be required to leave the school campus consistent with Board Policy JFCA on student dress. Students who refuse to wear a mask or face covering on a school bus or district transportation shall be subject to discipline under Board Policy JFCC on student conduct while on school transportation.

EMPLOYEES

Until further action of the District, all employees of Nixa Public Schools and any employees of contracted services shall be required to wear a mask or face covering while working or attending a school function in any school building, facility, or other area of a school campus. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the employee. Employees shall wear masks and face coverings at all times except for the following:

• Employees may remove masks and face coverings for eating and drinking;
• Employees may remove masks and face coverings when appropriate social distancing measures are in place;
• Employees may be exempted from this procedure by the school principal or the Superintendent of Schools due to a documented medical condition of the employee; or
• Employees may remove masks and face coverings on a case-by-case basis for specific instructional needs and other activities, as determined by a school administrator, in which case the school administrator will utilize appropriate social distancing measures.

Employees who refuse to wear a mask or face covering at school or at a school function under this procedure shall be subject to discipline, including termination, under Board Policy GBCB.

VISITORS

Until further action of the District, all visitors to Nixa Public Schools shall be required to wear a mask or face covering while present in any school building, facility, or other area of a school campus.