Yesterday afternoon (February 28) Governor Inslee announced that with declining case rates and hospitalizations across the west, Washington, California and Oregon have moved together to update their face covering/masking guidance. Beginning March 12, Washington and the other two states will be adopting new indoor face covering/mask policies and move to make face coverings/masks optional in schools.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Washington Department of Health (DOH) are currently updating their K-12 guidance and have noted it will be available to school districts during the week of March 7. That guidance may include additional adjustments to other COVID-19 parameters in schools, such as social distancing, etc. Until we receive these documents and further clarification, we are asking for patience and cooperation as we navigate these changes and their impact on our operations and safety protocols.

This means beginning Monday, March 14, face coverings/masks will become optional in our school buildings and on school buses. Until that time, face coverings/masks will continue to be required for all students, staff and visitors in all Snohomish School District buildings and on buses. Please take this time to talk with your family and decide if wearing a face covering/mask to school is right for your child. As of March 14, students will have the choice to wear a mask at school, with the expectation that others’ choices will be respected. Our schools and district will be supportive of everyone’s personal decision.