The Martin Board of Education voted Monday night to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mandate that masks be worn on public transportation, including school buses, but  they will be optional in the classroom.

The CDC issued a federal order mandating facial coverings on public transportation in response to the Covid pandemic. Board members voted 5-1 in favor of following the CDC order.

They also affirmed the current guidelines regarding indoor masking set forth by the local health departments.

“Please know that, as of the printing of this newsletter, masks will be optional in the building at the start of the school year. I just want you to be aware that this could change at any moment in time. If things change at any time, I will let you know by instant messenger right away,” said Superintendent Brooke Ballee-Stone in the district’s August newsletter.

Allegan County Health Department will be on site for a walk-in vaccine clinic at Martin’s open house Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm.

The first day of school for Martin is Tuesday , Aug. 24.

In other business, the board:

Approved several hires, including Rebecca Owen as the new Elementary Principal,

Reviewed Student Handbook updates for Brandon Elementary and Middle/High School.