SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A Lehi charter school is talking about how it’s handled the question of whether students and teachers should wear masks as a precaution to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Alpine Valley Academy founder Mark Cluff told KSL TV that since August 2020, parents have decided for their children, and teachers and staff have decided for themselves whether to wear a protective face covering. There has been no mandate either way.
And Cluff said there hasn’t been a single case of COVID-19 at the school.
“There’s a pandemic, and people need to be cautious and aware and make the best decision for their lives,” Cluff said.
Right now, masks are still required in Utah public schools and will be through June. However, Alpine Valley is a private school where no such state requirements exist.
Still, some teachers and staff have chosen to wear a face mask.
“I’m kind of in the minority,” said staff member Jared Bean. “And nobody gives me a hard time about wearing one. I don’t give people a hard time for not wearing one.”
The school has six staff members and 35 students that range in age from four to 18. The Utah County Health Department said they have no record of COVID-19 cases at the school.
Cluff told KSL TV that those who have had the virus got it outside the school.
