Dear NUSD Staff, Students, and Families,

Yesterday, California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly provided a statewide update on the progress of combating COVID-19 and introduced the state’s pathway for relaxing school masking mandates. On Feb. 28, the state will announce the timeline to lift the school masking mandate, as long as COVID-19 health metrics continue to improve.

As COVID-19 cases are rapidly declining in our state, Dr. Ghaly stated, “Masking requirements will expire as conditions improve. Masks are not intended to be in place in perpetuity. The question is when, not if.” As of today, there is, “no change to the CDPH school masking requirement,” but, “on February 28, 2022, CDPH will reassess data/conditions for a future change to the statewide school masking requirement.”

Although the statewide indoor masking mandate lifts on February 15 for vaccinated individuals, the current statewide mandate requiring masking in schools for students and educators will remain in place.

NUSD will continue to follow all other CDPH mitigation strategies such as frequent handwashing, improving indoor ventilation, monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms, etc.

Outdoor Masking:  Marin Public Health’s guidelines for outdoor masking includes “consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.” (#24 in the 32-Point Marin County School Guidelines)  As such, students and staff have the option to wear a mask outdoors.

We understand that staff, families, and students may have differing opinions and questions about the CDPH COVID-19 safety requirements and measures, including California’s state masking requirement for schools. People may disagree about the methods schools are required to follow, but I hope we can all agree that keeping our schools safe and open is what is best for our students.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Respectfully,

Jan La Torre-Derby, Ed.D

Superintendent

Leslie Benjamin

Director, Communications & Community Engagement