July 20, 2020

Vermillion School Board of Education

17 Prospect Street

Vermillion, SD 57069-2107

Attention: Mr. Doug Peterson, President (via email Doug.Peterson@k12.sd.us)

Mr. Tim Schwasinger, Vice President (via email Tim.Schwasinger@k12.sd.us)

Mr. Jim Peterson, Board Member (via email Jim.R.Peterson@k12.sd.us)

Ms. Rachel Olson, Board Member (via email Rachel.Olson@k12.sd.us)

Ms. Carol Voss-Ward, Board Member (via email vossward@gmail.com)

c: Mr. Damon Alvey, Superintendent (via email damon.alvey@k12.sd.us)

James McCullough, Esq., Attorney (via email jimmac12@qwestoffice.net)

Re: Masks Mandate for Vermillion School District 13-1

Greetings:

We, the undersigned Vermillion School District educators, parents, students, and community members, join in demanding a safe environment if students return to school this fall. To that end, we ask that a policy be adopted which:

· requires all persons on district property to wear a mask or face shield at all times;

· requires parents or guardians to provide sufficient masks or face shields for their students and requires schools to distribute additional masks as needed;

· accommodates individuals with disabilities for whom a face shield or mask would otherwise unreasonably interfere with their education or job responsibilities; and

· provides exceptions to the extent necessary to permit students and staff to eat and drink on school premises and for activities as guided by the SD High School Activities Association.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent matter of public concern.

Sincerely,

Concerned parents, staff, and community members