BCAT News

Burlington Public Schools will require masks starting next week in all school buildings as the country sees an uptick in COVID-19 cases fueled by the Delta variant.

In a letter to the community, Superintendent Eric Conti said all people will need to wear masks while indoors and not eating or working by themselves.

“Effective August 9, all students, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks indoors while in any Burlington Public Schools facilities,” he said. “Face-masks are not required: (1) when outside; or (2) when an individual works alone or in a segregated space.”

Superintendent Conti said that despite the need for masks and the continuous difficulties with the pandemic, administrators and teachers are happy that school will return in full this year.

“It is hard to believe that July has already concluded and in just a few short weeks we will welcome back students for the 2021-2022 school year,” he wrote. “We are so happy that we will be welcoming all of our students back for in-person learning. However, even with this reality, we still are firmly aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact our staff, students, and families.”

Conti added that he is aware that some people are unhappy with further restrictions in response to the situation but said the safety of everyone in the school community is his top priority.

“While we are well aware of the frustration many are feeling due to the COVID-19 rules and restrictions, we are committed to moving forward with guidelines that will allow us to keep staff and students as safe as possible while also educating our students in person without interruption,” he said. “We know that many would like to lose the masks and return to normal as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, this is going to take more time.”

“The COVID-19 virus will continue to be a challenge that causes discouragement at certain times, but we will continue to focus on the positives like having everyone back together in person in the upcoming school year,” Conti’s letter concludes. “I look forward to welcoming our staff and students back soon, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.”