In the previous month, Arkansas has experienced an unmatched surge in COVID-19 diagnoses, hospitalizations, and deaths. The threat to public health has been so immense that the previous statewide ban on mask mandates in schools for the 2021-2022 school year was overturned just last week in an emergency hearing. Rather than requiring masks for all Arkansas schools, however, the districts have each been given autonomy to decide upon mask policies for students and staff at their discretion. 

Central Arkansas is currently being hit the hardest by COVID. Hospitals are at capacity, children are getting sick at a much higher rate than they did prior to the emergence of the Delta variant, and more young/healthy adults are becoming severely ill than ever before. As a result, numerous districts in this region, including Conway, Cabot, and Little Rock, will begin the school year requiring masks for students and staff. 

Sadly, the Vilonia School District, as of today, will not require masks. This decision puts students, staff members, and their respective families at a high risk for contracting and spreading COVID. If transmission is not drastically reduced, our children may likely find themselves enduring another year of virtual learning. As research has already shown, the virtual learning model has a negative impact on children’s social and emotional health. By changing the district’s policy and requiring masks, we can help to ensure that our children and teachers have a safe, successful 2021-2022 school year.