LCPS Board Voted To Keep Mask Mandates

Michael Delano | January 19, 2022

Loudoun County Public Schools sent out an email update today titled “Superintendent’s COVID-19 Mitigation Update 1.19.22”. The communication addressed the LCPS board vote on Tuesday evening that supported Superintendent, Scott A. Ziegler, recommendation to maintain the mask mandate for LCPS students. This vote is a direct response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order repealing mask mandates in Virginia schools. On Saturday January 15, Governor Youngkin signed an executive order that made mask-wearing in schools optional in Virginia starting on Jan. 24th. The entire email communication is below.

Dear School Community, 

The Loudoun County School Board voted Tuesday night to support the superintendent’s recommendation to continue the current mitigation efforts, including the mask mandate within LCPS. 

LCPS students and staff wear masks as part of a layered strategy to help prevent COVID-19 transmission. The General Assembly adopted Chapter 456 (often referred to as SB1303) on March 30, 2021, directing school boards to offer and prioritize in-person instruction. It also requires school boards to adhere to mitigation procedures, like mask-wearing, to the extent practicable as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In order to comply with this legislation, masks must be worn by students, staff and visitors in LCPS facilities. Federal law requires the use of masks while on school buses. 

We acknowledge that these ongoing mitigation measures are not ideal or easy, and we will keep monitoring transmission data, advice from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and continue consultation with the local Loudoun County Health Department. 

Update on Student-Athlete Vaccine and Testing RequirementsLCPS has removed the student-athlete testing requirement for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. LCPS continues to recommend all eligible students, including student-athletes, receive the COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters.  

Update on Staff Vaccine and Testing RequirementsAt this time, LCPS will indefinitely suspend staff testing and vaccine mandates. LCPS employees who are not fully vaccinated will no longer be required to submit weekly COVID-19 test results. LCPS continues to recommend all eligible staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters. 

LCPS reminds anyone who has not received their vaccination that they can make an appointment to be vaccinated. Boosters are now recommended for everyone 12 and older. This is especially important with the spread of the Omicron variant. For additional information about COVID-19 vaccination, visit Loudoun County’s COVID-19 Vaccine page.

Masks Available for LCPS StaffIn addition to cloth and disposable face coverings, N95 masks are available to all staff through the Environmental Health and Safety Office. More information will be provided to staff. 

Thank you for your continued support and patience.  

Scott A. Ziegler, Ed.D. 
Superintendent