CMSD NEWS BUREAU

11/17/2021

CMSD will extend its requirement that students, staff and visitors wear masks inside District buildings, CEO Eric Gordon has announced.

The requirement will remain in effect at least through the start of the new year, CEO Gordon said in a message sent Wednesday to students, families and staff. The District will reassess the policy after winter break, which ends Jan. 3.

(To see the full message, goes to ClevelandMetroSchools.org.)

Gordon commended students, families and staff for their support during a challenging school year. He said their perseverance has helped launch a bold new vision that includes hands-on, student-led learning; expanded arts, music and extracurricular activities; after-school programming; the new PACE planning and career exploration initiative; and more.

”That work is just starting, and we need stay on course, even though COVID-19 cases are rising again in Northeast Ohio and across the state,” he said in making the announcement. “The trend could worsen as people gather inside for holiday gatherings, increasing the chances of exposure.”

Gordon said the District will also continue to follow its many other safety protocols, including social distancing where possible, frequent sanitizing and disinfecting classrooms with mist each night. A full list of the safeguards may be found at ClevelandMetroSchools.org/CovidSafety.

“The sacrifices that all of you make -- students, families and educators – do not go unnoticed,” the CEO said in the message. “Your cooperation and support are critical to our academic success. I am grateful for all you do.”