Will Streator High School students have to wear masks this year? School board may decide next week

The Streator High School Board plans to meet Wednesday, July 28, to talk about procedures for returning to full-time, in-person learning in the 2021-2022 school year.

The meeting will take place after its COVID-19 transition team meets Monday. The team is made up of educators, staff, administrators and board members.

Residents shared their views about making mask wearing optional for students during Tuesday’s regular board meeting, said Board President Steve Biroschik. The board listened to those concerns and will talk more in depth about its plans next week, he said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended Monday all children older than 2 wear masks when returning to school this year, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC, however, recommended this month vaccinated students do not have to wear masks in classrooms, suggesting the decision should be made by local school boards depending on the circumstances in their community.