Q: Do you know yet when volunteers will be allowed in schools for this school year?
A: Volunteers will be allowed back into our schools at the beginning of the second nine weeks, which is Oct. 8. I know many parents are eager to be more engaged with their respective schools and the good work that is done by volunteers in our schools is greatly appreciated.
Q: What can you tell us about the masks in schools requirement as of today, Sept. 16?
A: While the mask mandate was established for 90 days, the school board has granted Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene the ability to suspend that mandate prior to the end of the 90-day period based upon specific indicators. Pursuant to Section IV of the Board’s Emergency Rule regarding facial coverings, the mandatory mask requirement for Duval County Public Schools shall be immediately suspended when the level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Duval County, Florida reaches a “Moderate Level” on a seven-day rolling average. Transmission rate is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as:
The district will continue to consult with local and state officials to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in the community and will suspend the mask mandate when permitted to do so. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding face masks or COVID-19, please contact Elizabeth Trisotto, Director of School Health Services at trisottoe@duvalschools.org.
Q: Do you have anything else to share with District 7?
A: I’d like to acknowledge the passing of Tommy Hazouri. Many people may not realize the shared responsibility between the City of Jacksonville and the Duval County School Board, which requires city council members and school board members to work together. I could always count on Tommy. He was responsible for helping us to get the much needed signage on Point Meadows for Twin Lakes Academy Elementary and I worked with him for two years to get a pool approved for Atlantic Coast High School. He accomplished that while he was president of the City Council. I have long appreciated his commitment to public education and I am especially thankful for his commitment to our students and our community of Mandarin.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at HersheyL@duvalschools.org or call me at (904) 390-2375.
