Board members of the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo School District USD 327 stayed with their current optional mask policy at Ellsworth Elementary School —despite a motion that would have made masks mandatory in certain situations.

The motion by board member David Hand sparked a lengthy discussion and finally died for lack of a second.

The issue was raised by Superintendent Josh Lanning, who said officials were concerned about the ongoing extension of quarantines if other students tested positive.

“I’m looking at what we can do to get these kids back in school,” he said. Current policy requires children who have come in close contact with a child who has tested positive for the coronavirus to either undergo a daily nasal swab test or remain at home.

Ellsworth Elementary School principal Tammi Graff said the length of the quarantine is determined by the Ellsworth County Health Department.

Lanning said he met with department representatives this past week over concerns about the quarantines piling up and keeping students away from classes.

“I wish I could say we have an exact answer, but there are just too many variables,” he said.

The use of masks has been shown to slow the spread of the virus.

Board member Ashley Bohl pointed to this past weekend’s packed Kansas City Chiefs game and said the school district can’t protect students all the time.

“The world is not shutting down,” she said.

“We aren’t responsible for what happens outside of school, but we are responsible for the kids while they are in school,” Hand said.

During the public comment period, patron Kristen Haase also voiced her opposition to mandatory masks. While Haase said she had no evidence, she suspects the mental health of students is a bigger issue than the coronavirus.

In other business, board members approved travel expenses for EES principal Tammi Graff and teacher Sarah Richard to attend the Nov. 3 presentation in the Washington, D.C. area of Ellsworth Elementary School’s selection as a Blue Ribbon School.

“It’s awesome we received that — again — for the elementary school,” said board member Peggy Svaty. EES received the award in 2008.

Graff said the district plans a comunity celebration from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16.

• Lanning cautioned board members that the district tennis courts need paint; however, it could take five to six months between the time the paint is ordered and the time it arrives in Ellsworth. He hopes to have the courts repainted in time for spring tennis.

• Following a 10-minute executive session, board members accepted rhe resignation of Christina Vague as StuCo sponsor after this school year; and the hiring of Abby Harmon as high school secretary, Jenna Haase as 4th grade teacher starting in January, Timothy Ferri as high school math teacher starting in January, and approval of two substitute teachers: Mark Newton and Meghan Cason.