Dear KFCS Community,
We were pleased to receive yesterday's announcement from the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education regarding the decision that requiring masks in school settings will now rest with school districts and public health authorities as of March 31, 2022.
State officials believe even though COVID-19 cases remain high statewide, the Omicron upsurge has reached its pinnacle and that in the coming weeks we will see a lessening of cases and hospitalizations.
Until March 31st, the district will continue following the mask mandate. Once the mandate ends, it is our intent to make masks optional in our schools. Families who wish to have their student(s) continue wearing a mask will of course, be fully supported by the district.
In the coming weeks, Oregon Health Authority officials will work with Oregon Department of Education officials to revise guidance to ensure that our schools can continue operating safely and keep students in class once the school mask requirements are lifted.
The district will work to implement any needed changes in order to assure that in-person learning continues and we will transition our discussions with Klamath County Public Health on how to make the best decisions going forward for our students, staff and schools.
The KFCS and our board of education has been asking for local control for months and we believe that our efforts, combined with the efforts of the other 196 districts across the state, and our local communities, played a large part in this decision.
As new updates come forth we will share them with you as early as possible. Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Keith A. Brown, Superintendent
Klamath Falls City Schools
Every student, every day, whatever it takes!
