Superintendent Brian Alexander's Statement On Beshear's New School Mask Mandate

Superintendent of Edmonson County Schools Brian Alexander has released a statement regarding Andy Beshear's new mask mandates for all Kentucky schools. 

​The entire statement is published below:

​This afternoon, Edmonson County Schools, as well as the rest of the Commonwealth, were notified during Governor Beshear’s press conference of the Governor’s executive order which was signed instituting masking that will affect our school district.

This executive order stipulates that “all individuals – all teachers, staff, students and visitors – must cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when indoors in all public and private preschool, Head Start, elementary, middle and high schools (preschool through grade 12) in Kentucky, including but not limited to inside of vehicles used for transportation such as school buses, regardless of vaccination status. “

Exclusions while indoors include persons sleeping, with disabilities and/or physical or mental impairments,  those consuming food or beverage, persons receiving services that require removal of face coverings, those giving speeches, swimmers and those engaged in exercise.  

This order goes into effect on August 10, 2021, (today) at 4:00 pm for 30 days, but is subject to renewal.

With this executive order going into place, Edmonson County Schools must comply or be subject to forfeiture of immunity protection by ignoring this order.  Our insurance coverage would become null and void, as this Executive Order issued by Governor Beshear is, in essence, law for the next 30 days, according to our board attorney.  As superintendent, one of the duties of my job is to keep the school district in a position where we are not negligent.  I hope everyone can understand the position the school district would be in without insurance coverage.

I understand the timing of this Executive Order going into effect is poor, to say the least.  I want to stress that no Superintendent I have talked to had any advance knowledge of this occurring today.  I certainly didn’t.  However, we are in this position now.

Our school must immediately follow this executive order.  All students and staff will be required to wear masks indoors and on buses, unless their activity or situation meets one of the exclusions listed in the executive order. Edmonson County Schools will work with families and discuss educational options for those families that will not participate due to masking, including virtual status for students until masking orders are lifted.  Masks will be provided for students that need them at all schools.

The link to the executive order is attached:  https://governor.ky.gov/attachments/20210810_Executive-Order_2021-585_Schools-Childcare.pdf

The Governor's announcement may be seen at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM_YOCjG0oQ

In closing, I want to stress that as your superintendent, I realize that there are strong feelings concerning this situation.  I ask that everyone please treat one another with respect.  One thing that makes us special as a county is the care we have for each other.  Please allow this to remain the same during this difficult time.

Yours truly,
Brian Alexander, Superintendent