On Friday, Feb. 25, the CDC issued new guidance that loosened its recommendations for masking on school buses and in schools that are located in areas that have low and medium community levels of COVID-19. Levels can be low, medium or high, and are based on three metrics: hospitalizations with COVID-19, hospital bed availability, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. As of today, Saratoga County’s COVID-19 community level is categorized as low.

Staying consistent with the CDC guidance, Governor Hochul announced that masks will no longer be required in schools or on school buses in areas with a low or medium COVID-19 community level. The governor cited a 98 percent drop in cases in New York State since the omicron surge began, with a continuous downward trend. She also noted that the state is at the lowest point for pediatric cases of COVID-19 since July 2021.

As a result, as amended in the Schuylerville 2021-22 reopening plan by the Board of Education, masks will be optional for all students, faculty, staff, athletes and visitors regardless of vaccination status, both indoors and outdoors, in school buildings and on buses. Per NYS, this will go into effect on Wednesday, March 2. It is important to note that an individual may choose to continue to wear a mask if they would like. The state will be issuing further guidance regarding social distancing and other COVID-19 health and safety protocols early next week; we will send out details as we receive them.

We recognize that masking has been a sensitive issue for school communities everywhere, with differing views and opinions. Moving forward, we as a school community will always remember to be respectful of others’ choices about wearing/not wearing masks.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We hope you had a great February break and look forward to welcoming students back.

Dr. Ryan Sherman
Superintendent

Gregg Barthelmas
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
COVID-19 Coordinator