Students at Luxemburg-Casco School District will have to mask up and follow quarantine rules once again after the school board voted unanimously to switch back to the COVID-19-era rules.

The 7-0 vote reversed the school board’s 4-3 decision last Wednesday to make masking optional, drop quarantine protocols, and end some of its COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Approximately 300 people watched the proceedings via Zoom while local television stations estimate another 100 people were in the high school’s auditorium. The meeting’s first two hours were primarily for public comment for community members, parents, and students. People in favor of returning to masking and quarantining argued that the decision was forcing the postponement of athletic events for the school’s track, baseball, softball, and girls’ soccer teams. Others supportive of the board’s decision last week say parents and kids should be allowed to make their own choices on what they want to do. At times, the moderator of the Luxemburg-Casco School District Zoom account reminded viewers that their comments using the chat function would be part of the public record.

Monday’s decision will be in effect until June 3rd, which is the last day of school for the high school. The district’s other grades will have their last day of school on May 28th. Students will still be allowed to take masking breaks behind barriers and will not be forced to wear one when they are outside. Masking will be optional during summer school after the school board voted 6-1 in favor. 

Currently, 15 students and one staff member are considered to be active COVID-19 cases. Another 22 students and staff members are considered to be close contacts as of May 10th at 3 p.m. according to the district's COVID-19 page.