JACKSON, Tennessee – According to a press release from Greg Hammond, Chief of Staff and Public Information, parents of students in the Jackson-Madison County School System will have stronger options in their approach to COVID-19 related procedures. An executive order by Governor Bill Lee this week will allow families to opt out of masks requirements and return JMCSS to a mask optional district.

“We have to be mindful of parent choice in our efforts to keep students safe. The governor’s decision is another reminder of that. Parents who wish to continue with CDC advice on masks can absolutely continue to do so and we will continue to support them in that effort,” Superintendent Dr. Marlon King said.

Additional relief will also be provided to JMCSS parents and students in the area of quarantines.
Students who have been identified as a close contact, but are not showing Covid-related symptoms, will be allowed to continue in-person learning. They will, however, continue to be evaluated for good health.

“There are several unintended consequences when students, many of them healthy, are told to stay out of school for two-weeks or more at a time. In many cases, they’re forfeiting once in a lifetime experiences for learning and social development.

Today’s announcement makes room for the social, mental and emotional well-being of students,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams said.

With the governor’s announcement, JMCSS will transition back to a mask optional protocol, district-wide, by Monday, August 23. Parents who choose to follow local health department guidance on quarantines will need to contact the school to confirm excused absences.

“We’ve been asked or required to adjust several times since March 2020 by local and state officials. This is simply another adjustment made with the interests of children. We will continue to work with parents and community stakeholders to educate students in safe and supportive environments,” Dr. King said.