Whitley County School District plans to return in-person without requiring masks

Whitley County School District plans to begin school on August 11 without requiring masks.

A message, which was posted on the district’s Facebook page at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, from Superintendent John Siler stated, “At this time, with the full support of board members I plan to open the Whitley County Schools on August 11th, not requiring masks.”

“With summer coming to an end and the start of school quickly approaching I wanted to share some important information regarding the wearing of masks in the Whitley County School District,” stated Siler’s message. “This topic brings mixed emotions in our community but overwhelmingly parents and employees have shared their wishes that this be a decision for the parents and individual employees of the school district.”

Siler acknowledged that Gov. Andy Beshear and the Department of Public Health recommend masks, especially for the unvaccinated, but that the recommendations were not mandates.

“We will continue to monitor the number of COVID 19 cases in the community and the severity of those cases making changes if necessary or if government mandates are issued,” stated Siler’s message.