First Oklahoma district defies school mask mandate ban - OKC, OK - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

Santa Fe High School is at the northeast corner of I-35 and I-240. It is north of Santa Fe Middle School, at Plaza Mayor.

Article text:

Santa Fe South Schools will require masks for all students, staff and guests on Thursday in defiance of a state law that currently bans mask mandates in schools.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Chris Brewster says those who refuse to comply will be offered online instruction.

Those unvaccinated individuals determined to have been exposed through close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be required to quarantine for 10 days from date of exposure.

Those vaccinated individuals who have been exposed will not be required to quarantine, but must monitor for symptoms and testing 3-5 days after exposure is highly recommended.

Brewster told Fox 25 he thinks they're the first school district to do this, mainly because they were one of the first to open this year.

They started classes at the end of July.

Since then, he says more than 20 teachers and staff tested positive or were exposed and dozens of students have had to quarantine.

“I think it’s the same decision every school leader is wrestling with right now across the country," Brewster said. "We’re seeing the Delta variant kind of ravaging our community and we serve a community where there’s very high transmission rates."

This is the first departure from a new state law banning school districts from making rules like this one.

The law requires a state of emergency to be declared by the Governor before a district can require masks.

"We recognize that the safety and well-being of children and staff should be the top priority for all Oklahoma district leaders and school boards," said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister in a written statement. "At the same time, we expect all schools to comply with state laws currently in effect."

“Of course," said Brewster when asked if he's worried about what might happen after not following the law. "I am a very strong proponent of the rule of law and believe that our state legislature and our courts have heavy responsibilities. I think on maybe rare occasions there is a need to consider civil disobedience. "

“Totally fine," said Marianna Morales, a Santa Fe South parent. "I agree with it.”

Morales has kids in first and fifth grades and says they were wearing masks already.

Their superintendent hopes the rule will help avoid moving to online learning.

"I’ve got four total at home, so it’s kind of crazy for all of them at home," Morales said.

Brewster told Fox 25 people can still opt out of the mask rule for personal, religious and medical reasons.

Type of publication: Television When was the article reported?: 08/11/2021 Publication: okcfox Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: local News Category: Health/Medicine

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