Wake school district considering outdoor masking, COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated

Since August, the district has reported more than 600 cases. On Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., school board leaders will meet to discuss ways to bring the numbers down.

Possible changes include regular virus testing for all unvaccinated student-athletes and employees and requiring face coverings outdoors on district campuses. Currently, masks are required only indoors.

If the board votes for outdoor masking, face coverings would be worn at recess and during athletics and extracurricular activities. Scheduled “mask breaks” would be needed under this option, officials said.

District data shows cases were high among elementary schools, where students are ineligible for a coronavirus vaccine. Herbert Akins Road Elementary School, in Fuquay-Varina, reported 32 positive student cases this month.

Cases among middle schools also were heightened — North Garner Middle School reported 28 positive tests among students this month, and Neuse River Middle School reported 23 student coronavirus cases this month. Knightdale High School reported 22 student coronavirus cases.

COVID-19 clusters reported in Wake schools as children return to class

Many parents are calling on the district to tighten COVID-19 protocols in the classrooms ahead of Tuesday's meeting.

"In school is the best way for our kids, and now we just have to make sure we can make that happen," said one parent.

Some parents told WRAL News they paid for air purifiers for their children's classrooms, saying it was an expense they were willing to take on while arguing that other parents might not be able to afford it.