Mask Exemption Procedures

December 02, 2020

Mask Exemption Procedures

Click link below to fill out form

https://forms.gle/DiZePwwxMBVF2RhA8

The Concordia R2 School District will consider requests for mask-exemptions due to medically or clinically diagnosed conditions. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request. Each request will follow a three step process: Request, Review, Inform. More information about each step is provided below: 

Request

• Requests may be made by students who are their own educational decision makers or on behalf of the student by a parent, guardian or caregiver. 

• Requests for an exemption should be submitted to the building principal using the provided form. The form will direct requesters to provide documentation of the condition that the request is being based on. Documentation already submitted to the school as part of a student’s health file or school records may be considered for this purpose as well. Forms will not be considered completed until accompanying medical or clinical documentation is provided if it is not already on file. 

• Requests for consideration for a mask exemption should be submitted to the building principal. In the event that the building principal is not available to receive the request, the request may be forward to another member of the administration team for consideration. 

Review

• Once received by a member of the administration team, a school health committee consisting of Concordia R2’s administration team, the school nurse and the school-based therapist will review the request and determine eligibility. 

• While each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis, the committee will use the following factors as pillars of their decision making process in addition to the request: 

  • Any provided medical or clinical guidance regarding mask use that is furnished by the student’s medical/clinical provider

  • Pertinent school records/health file records

  • Current CDC recommendations, both general and condition specific.

  • In the absence of CDC recommendations or condition descriptions, peer reviewed research from reputable sources such as NIH, NIMH, and The Mayo Clinic may be sought out. 

 Inform

• In general, stakeholders can anticipate being informed of the committee’s decision within 2 school days of receipt of the request. During this time, if the student attends Concordia R2 Schools, they will be required to wear a mask.

• Students who are granted a mask exemption will be required to participate in alternative safety measures by donning a face shield and physically distancing 6ft or more away from others.

• Students who are unable to obtain a mask exemption will be required to wear a mask to school. Alternatively students may request information about distance/virtual learning opportunities or elect to participate in homeschooling.