BASA AdminiScope, August 2020

Masks and requests for exemption

Five Things Your People Need from You Right Now While savvy managers understand how to motivate and unite teams outside of a national disaster, leading during turbulent times presents new and unchartered challenges. Because everything rises and falls on leadership, what must leaders do to keep people engaged and motivated during this pandemic? Joel McKenzie, a veteran American Fidelity manager, shares the top five things people need right now from their leaders. Five Things Your People Need from You Right Now Transparency If your people don’t already know the truth about what’s going on, it is only a matter of time before they will. Be the first to let your people know what is going on. Be transparent, act ethically, and talk openly at all times. Reassurance People need to feel that they are still valuable, the organization is still strong, and things in general are going to be ok. Communicating with employees along these lines can help them remove fears and regain Understanding means to perceive the significance of what people are feeling and show compassion for them. Look beyond what they might be doing to what might be causing them to behave as they are and help them get to a better place. Self-Awareness It’s critical that the leader knows their own personality and character. It’s also critical that they can evaluate and control their actions, thoughts, and emotions, making sure they align with their internal standards. Tactical Support “Tactical” means the details of getting the job done and your people need tactical help right now. They don’t need you to fix the problem, but they do need your help with the nuts and bolts of how to be produc - tive with new tools and new approaches. So, go on, give your people the trust in you and themselves they need! Lisa M. Stevens Account Development 877-518-2337, ext. 2719 Lisa.Steven@AmericanFidelity.com their confidence. Understanding

You may already have seen requests for exemptions from the re - quirement for students and teachers to wear masks. Some districts have created forms to streamline the process of requesting an ex - emption, which also serves to meet the requirement to document the requests and the reason for it. The reasons for requesting an exemption from the requirement to wear a mask include: 1. If a student or staff member has a physical, mental, or developmental condition that prevents him or her from wearing a mask. 2. A religious exemption, which states that as person with an “established sincerely held religious require - ment exists that does not permit a facial covering.” 3. Face masks do not have to be worn while eating and drinking while seated, while actively participating in recess or physical education when 6 feet apart, 4. During lessons when needed (language instruction or while playing an instrument) 5. When students are 6 feet apart and the teacher determines a “mask break” is necessary. 6. When an individual is alone in an office or other enclosed space.

Deciding whether a religious belief is required by the religion and how the First Amendment impacts these decisions are best made on a case by case basis with legal counsel. These decisions also may have other considerations, which make them a good choice to discuss with counsel. The “mask break” language of the order, which states that where students are able to maintain six feet of distance and a mask break is “deemed necessary by the educator supervising the educational setting” deserves some consideration for educational leaders. Pro- vide guidance to teaching staff concerning the use of these breaks and your expectations, including the duration of a “mask break.” Without parameters, some teachers may interpret this language with widely varying outcomes or administer it according to their personal beliefs rather than a uniform district/building approach. Remember, masks are to be worn indoors, including in classrooms. Consider ensuring the “snack and meal time” mask break time is discussed at the district/building level so there is a shared under - standing that wearing masks is the rule and eating and snacking are the exception. These breaks should be limited by set times such as

the student’s lunch times or as their disability requires. Staff members also may make requests for exemption, and districts should consider whether these requests are warranted based on their facts and circumstances. Districts may request medical or supporting documen - tation to consider the basis for the request (for students or staff). A word on face shields: face shields are not adequate substitutes for masks, per an Ohio Department of Health FAQ and CDC guidance. However, they may be used to supplement mask protection and also may be used when one of the exemptions such as communicating with a hearing-impaired person or English language learn- er, or even a religious exemption. Don’t forget your transportation department; students must wear masks while waiting for or riding a school bus.

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