INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Teachers Association is calling for mandatory face masks for students in 6th through 12th grades, as one way to help protect students and staff from COVID-19 when they return to school.
ISTA President Keith Gambill talked about the measure on Facebook Live after meeting with the governor and State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, on how to reopen schools safely.
Gambill said while masks "are very important for kindergarten thru fifth grade we also understand that those younger students are going to need some assistance in learning how to wear a mask... and just keeping that mask on, so we do realize there should be some flexibility on that."
Besides masks, Gambill and ten ISTA members said they also told the governor there must be plan to address vulnerable students and staff, including "extended leave for fragile people."
And, they stressed that schools must have plenty of PPE and cleaning supplies.
Gambill said another issue is deciding when a school should be shut down and what needs to happen before it re-opens.
While no decisions were made, ISTA members were generally pleased with with the meeting, with one members saying, "I don't know if we'll see progress or not. The action remains to be seen, but they're thinking about a lot of the same things we are."
Several of those following on Facebook expressed skepticism.
One teacher posted, "I was in my school this afternoon. I don't see any way we can go back safely."
Another said, "When will there be guidance from the governor on all these issues? Some schools start in DAYS!"
And, "I'm not in favor of wearing masks all day either! School is going to be a sad place for kids."
Gov Holcomb released this statement Tuesday afternoon: "Today's meeting was a valuable conversation that will continue as we collaborate with educators and health care professionals to ensure students and staff are safe. I appreciate the dedication of these teachers who work so hard to ensure children receive the best education possible during this ever changing situation."