2 more Phoenix school districts to require masks on campus

PHOENIX – Two more Phoenix school districts will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks, as COVID-19 cases surge again in Arizona.

Osborn Schools and the Roosevelt School District made the announcements Tuesday. They join Phoenix Elementary School District and Phoenix Union High School District enacting mask mandates.

Following this evening’s Governing Board Meeting, Roosevelt School District will require all students, staff, and visitors to wear a face mask per CDC guidelines.

— RSD No. 66 (@RSDNo66) August 4, 2021

The board went to say the decision allows Roosevelt School District to ensure “that we continue to make decisions to protect the health and safety” of students, staff, families and communities.

The fall semester began Monday.

Osborn said in a social media post it “will continue to uphold the mask mandate within Osborn schools. Facial coverings will be required of all individuals indoors in group settings. The Governing Board has requested the superintendent work with district counsel to develop an opt-out option for parents. Be on the lookout for a video message later this week reviewing all mitigation strategies.”

Classes begin Monday.

The law banning schools from requiring masks was passed in June as part of a state budget bill that doesn’t go into effect until Sept. 28. The bill included a clause to make the mask provision retroactive from June 30, but it’s not clear whether it’s enforceable yet.

Gov. Doug Ducey said Phoenix Union’s mask mandate isn’t allowed, but he hasn’t responded to questions about potential enforcement steps.

A teacher is suing the Phoenix Union High School District over its mask mandate. Metro Tech High biology teacher Douglas Hester’s lawsuit will be heard in Maricopa County Superior Court on Wednesday morning.

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