Highland board discusses face mask use

Highland Local Schools Treasurer Neil Barnes, at right, administered the oath of office to re-elected board President Dr. Norman Christopher, at left, and newly appointed Vice President Chris Wolny, at center, at the Highland Board of Education organizational meeting Jan. 13. Photo: Scott Kriska

GRANGER — During the Highland Local Schools Board of Education organizational meeting Jan. 13, Dr. Norman Christopher was re-elected president and board member Chris Wolny was elected vice president, with Treasurer Neil Barnes administering the oath of office.
Additionally, the board appointed Wolny to serve as the Ohio School Boards Association’s legislative liaison for 2022 and Christopher to serve as the association’s student achievement liaison. Newcomer Missy Schreiner was appointed to serve as board liaison to the Highland Foundation for Educational Excellence.
During the regular meeting that followed, the board heard from parents expressing their opinions against a temporary mask requirement for Jan. 3-14 following a recent spike in COVID-19 case numbers in the area. One resident cited a recent study stating face masks increase carbon dioxide levels and that politicians are using the COVID-19 pandemic for political gain. Another resident questioned the accountability of the board during a time when Ohio does not have a statewide mask mandate in place and said he believes such mandates are unconstitutional.
Christopher stated board members are sympathetic to the beliefs of the members of the community but added the board is doing what it can to continue to preserve the ability to provide a high-quality, in-person level of education to students even during this current spike in COVID-19 cases.
Kelly said the opinions of the community are not taken lightly by the board and said politics has nothing to do with the board’s decision to temporarily require face mask use.
Aukerman said as of the date of the meeting, Medina County had a total of 565 cases. She added the Medina County Health Department’s new criteria for those who have contracted the virus or have potentially been exposed to it are to stay home for five days, stay away from others as much as possible and resume normal activity on the sixth day only if no fever is present and if symptoms have been greatly reduced.
She added that individuals who are fully vaccinated and are exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask around others for 10 days afterward, get tested on the fifth day if possible and stay home if any symptoms are present. She said individuals who are not fully vaccinated and are exposed should stay home for at least five days afterward.
Aukerman said all COVID-19 cases will be reported to the health department, and school personnel will ensure all who are returning from isolation follow masking guidelines through the 10th day and letters will be distributed when new cases arise.
Aukerman also stated the use of face masks on school property will be optional, but strongly encouraged, and Christopher urged all members of the Highland community to respect each other’s personal views on masking.
In other business, Highland High School Principal Carrie Knapp discussed changes to the study program, which will include updated state graduation requirements and graduation seal information, course name changes, rewording language regarding dropping and adding of coursework, as well as new courses that include AP research, web design, fundamentals of cybersecurity and video game design. The board subsequently approved the changes.
The board also approved the following items:
√ the alternative tax budget for 2023;
√ the Highland High School Robotics Team’s trip to the Greater Pittsburgh Regional Robotics competition March 17-19;
√ a donation from Coca-Cola to Highland Middle School;
√ contracts and/or agreements with Lorain County Community College and the Ohio School Boards Association; and
√ various personnel items.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Media Center in Highland High School, located at 4150 Ridge Road.