Henrico Schools leaders plan eventual transition away from masks
Good morning!
Henrico County Public Schools has introduced some new changes to its COVID-19 protocols. None of the changes involve masking, which continues to be a source of contention statewide, considering the conflicting state law and executive order.
In non-COVID news, Gov. Glenn Youngkin gathered the leaders of over two dozen higher education institutions in Virginia in an apparent effort to show support for proposed legislation that would expand the college partnership “lab school” concept.
MASK DRAMA CONTINUES
There have been a few developments since the last newsletter, but none bringing any substantial changes locally.
At the Henrico School Board meeting last night, several parents spoke in favor of rescinding the mask rules while one student spoke in favor of the current universal masking requirements. More than 100 written public comments were submitted for the meeting, and more than half were in support of parental choice.
Youngkin last week urged parents to follow their principals’ mask rules until the issue is settled in court.
Youngkin urges parents to listen to principals about masks – for now
Over the weekend, HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell spoke publicly about the situation for the first time.
Cashwell: Henrico Schools’ mask rules are not a political stance
Presidents of local teachers unions, including the Henrico Education Association, called on their school divisions to put health and safety first, as Youngkin’s executive order (which rescinds the K-12 mask mandate) took effect Monday. HEA President Patrick Miller said the lack of consistent policies around masks, testing and school closures puts lives at risk.
Henrico teachers union calls for clear, consistent safety protocols from division leadership
CHANGES TO COVID-19 MITIGATION
HCPS will participate in the state health department’s test-to-stay program, which allows unvaccinated students exposed to COVID-19 to continue attending school during their quarantine period.
Henrico Schools to implement test-to-stay COVID-19 program
The school division announced changes yesterday to isolation periods, contact tracing and plans to transition away from universal masking rules.
Henrico Schools reduces isolation periods, makes mask transition plans
“LAB SCHOOLS” COULD BE FUTURE OF VA EDUCATION
Proposed legislation would let any higher education institution in the state create a lab school, which is a K-12 school that partnered with a higher education institution to focus on innovative curriculum.
Dozens of higher education leaders support Youngkin's “lab school” plan
That’s all for this week! As always, feel free to reach out to me with thoughts, tips or suggestions. You can reach me at Anna@HenricoCitizen.com
📅 School Board member Alicia Atkins is holding a Varina town hall at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Highland Springs High School.
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