Reynolds prohibits schools from issuing mask mandates

Students in Jasper County are finishing their last days of the school year without face masks as a result of the governor’s new law signed after midnight last week.

While school districts were awaiting further guidance from health officials following the CDC’s announcement that fully vaccinated people “can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds put a stop to school districts requiring masks for students and faculty.

Newton Superintendent Tom Messinger told school board members three days before the governor’s action he was receiving mixed messages from the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health, the latter of which recommended schools and childcare settings “approach COVID-19 like other child illnesses.”

Seven hours after Reynolds signed HF847 into law, administrators of the Newton Community School District posted on Facebook saying the new rule prohibiting schools from requiring masks “will take effect immediately.” On May 20, all Jasper County school districts followed suit.

“Students, staff and visitors still have the option of wearing a mask,” Messinger said, noting administrators will continue providing updates to parents and reviewing mitigation efforts for the safety of the school community. “While optional, the district encourages anyone not vaccinated to remain masked.”

Similar messages were shared with fellow school districts in Jasper County.

“Per legislation and Gov. Reynolds’ signature last night/early this morning, masks are now optional as of today,” Colfax-Mingo Community School District announced. “This includes buses. Thank you for your diligent adherence to our mitigation policies this year.”

Mickolyn Clapper, superintendent of the Baxter Community School District, sent an email to families and faculty saying there was new guidance provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health about masks and quarantines. Effective immediately, she said, masks and face coverings will be optional at Baxter.

“This includes graduation on Sunday,” Clapper said.

PCM School District issued a mask mandate update shortly before school started that Thursday morning. Earlier this month, a group of parents and community members petitioned outside the school district and gathered signatures of people in favor of ending the mask mandate.

Per the provision included in Reynolds’ law, public and accredited nonpublic K-12 schools are prohibited from mandating masks. The group got its wish. PCM Superintendent Michelle Havenstrite said the district did not lose one day of school due to the pandemic, and “illness rates were at an all-time low.”

“Therefore, the PCM schools will no longer be enforcing our mask mandate policy,” Havenstrite said. “I want to thank everyone for their support throughout the school year in implementing our Return to Learn plan. WE DID IT!”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com