The Uintah School District issued a press release Wednesday responding to claims circulating in the community about Governor Gary Herbert’s school mask order. “Until the Utah Legislature passes a law stating that the governor does not have the authority to issue the mask order or a court of competent jurisdiction rules that the governor’s order is illegal, the current mask order is the law in our state,” shares Uintah School District. “The Uintah School District will abide by the law. The district will work to make reasonable accommodations for any student ‒ including those who receive special education services ‒ if they have a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that substantially limits them from wearing a mask as verified by a doctor.” The District explains that the accommodations will be designed to allow a student to remain in school while still following the Governor’s mandate. An example of this would be allowing times throughout the day when a student could go somewhere for a short break from wearing their mask. The District also states that when reasonable accommodations are not successful then it may become necessary to transfer a student to Uintah Online but the schools intend to be patient to work with young students and students with disabilities. “Right now, the mask mandate from the governor is the best way for us to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19 and provide for the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, and bus drivers,” shares Uintah Schools Superintendent Rick Woodford. “This is also the best way to keep our schools open for our students and our community. A lot of work continues to be done on the district’s plan and the individual school plans as we move toward welcoming students back into our schools next week for the first time since mid-March.” The District’s Reopening Plan for 2020 – 2021 as well as answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available on www.uintah.net.
