You will not see many students forced to wear masks in Door and Kewaunee counties this fall. Kewaunee announced its back-to-school policies at a special board meeting held on Tuesday, making it optional for all of its students to wear a mask. The decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control issued its recommendation for all students and staff to mask when classes begin. The district will also opt to have the Rural Virtual Academy take over the remote learning for the district so that Kewaunee’s teaching and support staff can focus on the students attending school in person. Kewaunee Superintendent Scott Fritz says the plan they presented was based on others in the area and stresses that it can change depending on what happens this fall.

Fritz added they will normalize other parts of the school day, but says three-foot social distancing will be encouraged. Gibraltar Elementary students are the only ones in Door and Kewaunee counties that will be required to mask up in class this fall until a vaccine is available. Gibraltar Superintendent Tina Van Meer told DoorCountyDailyNews.com that until all families have a choice for their kids to receive a vaccine, it is the district’s responsibility to “advocate for and protect the vulnerable population with masking and social distancing until the choice of vaccination is available.” Current CDC order mandate masks on buses. States like Illinois and Oregon have made the decision for their school districts, mandating K-12 students have to mask up in the classroom this fall.