RICE ‘STRONGLY ENCOURAGES’ MASKS

JEREMY WALTNER  – PUBLISHER

Students heading back to school in Menno next week are being “strongly encouraged” to wear masks in-between classes and when dealing with others in close proximity. That’s according to Tom Rice, who is in his first year as superintendent in Menno.

“We don’t do it for ourselves, we do it for others,” he said. “My first priority is my kids and a very close second is my teachers. Seven of them are over the age of 60 and I don’t need them being compromised.”

The district has purchased and will make masks available to students.

Rice said he is at odds with board members regarding how seriously to take the threat of COVID-19 but believes firmly in taking steps to mitigate the spread. “This is not policy,” he said. “It is the operations of the school that I’m charged with.”

Rice added that teachers will be given the opportunity to require masks be worn in their classroom; “They have 100% authority and my support.”

Rice also said that students will be asked to physically distance themselves when possible and that the makeup of the Menno School District will accommodate that.

“We are very fortunate that we will be able to social distance,” he said. “I’ve got about 15 kids per class.”

A letter signed by Rice and first-year elementary/middle school principal Kory Foss, available on the school’s website, says this: “While this may not be the ideal situation, we need to do our best to respect the health of others, including people with underlying conditions or circumstances. It is imperative that we show respect for one another, and this includes caring for each other’s wellbeing.”