Marlborough School Committee adopts mask mandate and six reopening policies in one night

MARLBOROUGH -- August 25, 2020, Marlborough School Committee adopts mask mandate and five other pandemic policies in single-night vote. Suspending its rules four weeks before the Sept. 21 hybrid restart, the committee unanimously approved a face-mask requirement for all students and staff inside school buildings, stricter than state guidance, along with policies on the school calendar, non-resident students, student assignment, attendance and visitors. "Face masks are required and there is an expectation that all students are wearing face masks," the superintendent said, ruling out bandanas and gaiters indoors. Chief Financial and Operations Officer Doug Diaz reported Chapter 70 aid has been cut from the governor's February figure of $31.7 million to roughly $31 million, a $700,000 reduction, and proposed eliminating preschool tuition for FY21. In-person hybrid classes are capped at 14 students, with all classes at 13 or fewer as of Aug. 18.