Conway, Arkansas – Conway Public Schools Superintendent Greg Murry has announced that students in the 5th grade and up will be required to wear protective masks on campus in the fall.
The district said last month that masks would be strongly encouraged to limit the spread of the coronavirus, but not required. Murry said the district changed course after Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued an executive order allowing cities to create mask ordinances. Conway passed an ordinance requiring masks in public places on Monday.
School employees will also be required to wear masks when they’re within 6 feet of students, parents or other staffers.
Students below the 5th grade will be strongly encouraged to wear masks.
The school district on Thursday distributed a survey asking parents whether their children will attend classes online or in person. The survey is due July 17.