Byron schools require masks beginning Jan. 18

All staff and students at Byron schools will need to wear masks when on school property beginning Tuesday, January 18.

The district updates the COVID-19 numbers dashboard every Thursday, said Supt. Mike Neubeck.

“School districts and counties across the state have seen a significant increase in positive cases and Byron School District is no different,” Neubeck said in an email to parents.

As of Thursday, January 6, there were 33 positive cases districtwide and on Thursday, January 13, that number had increased to 123. “When we started the school year,” Neubeck said, we stated we would mandate masking when our district has reached numbers at 5 percent. Therefore, we are requiring that all students and staff, vaccinated or unvaccinated, wear a mask on our buses and while at school between the hours of 7:30 and 3:00.”

It is strongly recommended, he said, that students, staff and visitors continue to wear masks during after school activities.

The district, he said, will re-evaluate the numbers on Thursday, January 28, and determine if the mandate will be lifted and returned to a masking recommendation.