During its Workshop held July 13, 2021, the Martin County School Board approved the risk mitigation plan that will be in place during the 2021-2022 school year. The school year will begin August 11, 2021.
"Just as the educational experience is deeply personal and unique for each child, we recognize that families have many important health-related factors to consider as we prepare for a full return to on-campus learning," Superintendent John D. Millay shared. "These risk mitigation strategies - which were developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Martin County - will allow parents and caregivers to make the health-related decisions that they believe are best for their children. We look forward to continuing our mission of educating all Martin County students for success as we begin the new school year in August."
Highlights of the plan include:
- Vaccines are voluntary. The Martin County School District will not require students or employees to be vaccinated. Although not required, vaccines are available for individuals aged 12 and older through the Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH Martin), physicians' offices and pharmacies.
- As long as they remain asymptomatic, the Florida Department of Health's protocol does not require vaccinated students and employees to quarantine following close contact with a positive case. The Florida Department of Health's protocol does require unvaccinated students and staff to follow quarantine protocols if they are identified as close contacts of a positive case.
- Masks are voluntary. The Martin County School Board has voted to make masks optional for students and staff during the 2021-2022 school year. In the event of an unusually high spike in cases or change in pandemic circumstances, the School Board may adjust this protocol as necessary. Masks will be available for students and staff at each site for those who choose to wear one.
- Social distancing may be implemented when possible. For contact tracing purposes, seating charts will continue to be required for classrooms and school buses. Seating charts may be required for cafeterias as necessary.
- Facility health will continue to be prioritized. Surfaces will continue to be cleaned and disinfected frequently. When appropriate, EPA-registered disinfectants will be used to clean high-touch surface areas. Facilities have been outfitted with the appropriate MERV filters for increased filtration.
- Students and staff must continue to stay home when they are ill. The Florida Department of Health advises that if an unvaccinated student or anyone in their household is awaiting a COVID-19 test result, the student must remain home from school. The Florida Department of Health advises that vaccinated students will not be required to remain home if another household member is awaiting test results as long as they remain asymptomatic.
- Employees and families are encouraged to continue monitoring the District's website and social media channels for the latest news and information.
Please click here to view the Back to School presentation as shared during the July 13, 2021 School Board Workshop.