Cobb schools issue mask guidance; 49% of students returning

The Cobb County School District has issued specifics on face masks that will be required for everyone when students begin returning to classrooms on Oct. 5.

That includes teachers, staff, students and any visitors in district school buildings at all times.

The guidance instructs parents to provide a mask for their children that fully covers the mouth and nose, is “secure under the chin” and “fits securely against both sides of the face.”

The guidance said the Centers for Disease Control does not recommend masks that have an exhalation valve or vent, and face shields are not a substitute for masks.

If students don’t wear a mask, they will be asked to do so, and a disposable mask will be provided.

If the student still refuses, the parent will be called to pick up their child “and a conference will be held to discuss the option of digital instruction.”

Any students who continue to refuse to wear a mask will be considered “insubordinate” and will be subject to the district’s student code of conduct.

The district guidance allows for some exceptions that include medical conditions and students with disabilities.

The district says in its guidance that students uncomfortable wearing masks should wear them for short periods before returning to school “so that they become accustomed to wearing a mask.”

The district’s face mask policy includes extracurricular activities, including sporting events, even outdoor football games.

More guidance about masks can be found here.

At last week’s Cobb Board of Education meeting, two board members tried to get a face mask requirement in the district’s dress code policy. Their attempts were turned down, but they said the would bring the matter up for discussion in October.

The period for choosing in-person or remote learning ended Sunday, and 52,000 of the district’s 112,000 students, or 49 percent, will be coming back to their schools.

Another 37,000 students, or 35 percent, will continue remote learning through the end of the fall semester.

There also are 18,000 students, or 16 percent, whose parents had not made a choice as of Sunday. They will have to notify their child’s home school of their decision.

Elementary school and special education students will be returning on Oct. 5, followed by middle school students Oct. 19 and high school students Nov. 5.