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Frequently Asked Questions (updated 2/28)

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 2/28)


Why are we moving to a mask optional policy?
With Mecklenburg County moving to a mask optional policy, Governor Cooper recommending that all NC schools do the same by March 7 and lower COVID-19 infection rates in our community, it no longer is prudent to require masks for all students, staff and visitors. We continue to recommend masks be worn when indoors.
Does this mean students, staff and visitors should not wear masks?
No. Any student, staff or visitor to a CMS facility is encouraged to wear a mask while indoors. This just means it is no longer mandatory to do so.
What does this mean in terms of protocols for reducing spread of the virus?
The consensus among public health experts is that cloth masks were not as effective in preventing spread of the recent Omicron surge as they were against previous variants. Masks have been proven effective at slowing spread of previous strains of the virus.
What about quarantines? Why are they ending?
Data from school districts, including some in North Carolina, have shown that the majority of asymptomatic students and staff required to quarantine after known exposure to individuals with confirmed cases never developed symptoms and never tested positive for the virus. This would indicate days absent from school that proved to be unnecessary. There also is indication that much of our state has developed sufficient immunity to warrant this change, either because of high vaccination rates or high levels of natural immunity in the community.
Will CMS continue to encourage social distancing?
We will continue to follow best practices for mitigating the impacts of infectious disease, including COVID-19. This includes encouraging social distance between individuals whenever and wherever possible.
Will school staff be able to enforce masking for families who want their child(ren) to wear a mask?
School staff will not be required to enforce masking once the mask optional policy goes into effect. Masks remain recommended as part of the multi-faceted approach to reducing spread of the virus, but once masks are no longer mandatory individuals are expected to make that choice for themselves. Students whose families want them to continue wearing masks will be responsible for complying with that request.
How should school administrators/staff respond when asked about a teacher’s vaccination status?
Vaccination status is protected medical information and may not be shared without consent of the individual. Schools will not provide that private information.
If a family asks a teacher to remove a mask to help better communicate with their child(ren) or to wear a mask to better protect student health, how should teachers respond?
We encourage teachers or staff members to listen to concerns, but a mask optional policy means staff members may make the choices with which they are most comfortable.
How do I opt in or give consent?
The consent forms are available online for families who choose to participate in this free program. Schools will also send information with the links directly to families via email. Paper forms are available by request.
Does the Board’s decision include transportation?
At this time, federal regulations requiring masks while using school transportation remain in place. Students and staff on CMS buses, including activity buses, must continue to wear masks until or unless these rules change.
How does the bill passed by the NC General Assembly impact masking as it currently stands?
The bill, though passed by both houses of the legislature, has not been signed into law by the governor. The bill also applies only to students. Our Board’s action applies to students, staff and visitors to our facilities. If signed into law, the current bill would take effect immediately.
Will families concerned about their student(s) in the wake of masks becoming optional have another opportunity to enroll their student(s) in the Virtual School?
Not without documentation of a qualifying medical condition and approval from the district’s external medical review committee. Families may request a transfer to a virtual school for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year based on the student’s medical or health condition. Transfer requests require a completed medical packet. The transfer request will be approved if the external medical review committee affirms the medical / health condition and there is space in the grade / classes requested.

The school choice lottery period for the 2022-23 school year is closed. Families may make a request for reassignment or transfer to a virtual school for the 2022-23 school year. Requests will be approved based on available space in the grade / classes requested.

What impact will this decision have on athletics?
All athletic events that occur between tonight and the effective date of March 7 must continue to follow the current district policy. That means all students, staff and visitors from CMS or elsewhere must wear face coverings while inside CMS facilities. Beginning March 7, masks will be optional.