On Thursday, September 2, the board of education for USD 265 announced a universal face covering inside all elementary and intermediate schools effective September 7. From November 30, 2020 – May 27, 2021, in kindergarten through sixth grade the district had 119 student close contacts and 62 positive student COVID tests. In the first two weeks of this school year, at the same grade levels, we have experienced 137 close contacts and 45 positive student tests.  At this current rate, the district is unlikely to be able to continue the daily testing protocols needed to keep students in school. This would result in students being out of school for at least 11 days every time they are considered an unmasked close contact. We support this decision made by the board of education after discussion with local health officials and recommendations from health agencies. We want to continue to keep our kids healthy and safe while also keeping them in school! Thanks to this decision, we can battle this pandemic, protect our children and teachers, and lower the burden on our healthcare system.