Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today (3/30) that he would be lifting the public mask-requirement mandate for Arkansans beginning on April 1, 2021. However, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Department of Health strongly advise school districts to continue to follow all measures that have allowed successful "in-person" learning to occur.
The Guy-Perkins School District administration recently met with stakeholder groups to listen and gather feedback about the current district mask requirements. Included in these meetings were parents, district staff, and School Board members. On April 20, the Guy-Perkins School Board decided to continue the current district mask requirements in place until the Board's May 18 meeting where they will revisit the issue.
Please note that by continuing the mask requirement, staff and students exposed to a confirmed positive Coronavirus case may not have to quarantine if:
1. Both the confirmed and exposed individual are properly masked; or
2. Fully vaccinated and not exhibiting symptoms; or
3. Fully recovered from COVID-19 and are within 3 months of original diagnosis
We will continue to clean and disinfect our campus buildings, grounds, and buses through the end of the school year and into the summer school sessions.
Please remember that health and safety are the district's greatest priorities and we will continue to do what is best for our students and staff. Thank you for your feedback and support in this decision.