NEW KNOXVILLE – Following decisions made at the New Knoxville Board of Education meeting Monday night, face coverings will be required for all students and staff in the schools as well as spectators at athletic games.

The Board approved a face covering policy that only exempts students and staff if there is an impediment to instruction (but only if maintaining a 6-foot distance) or if the student has a physical disability, mental health or medical condition.

Face masks are also required to attend athletic and extra curricular activities. In addition, the policy requires people to sit with their families, stay 6 feet from others, and not congregate in common areas.

The new policy also asks visitors keep in mind the main priority of these events, which is to support the school’s student athletes.

Consequences of not following face mask guidelines could include having no spectators allowed at games or completely shutting down of the athletic program and forced forfeiture of games, including varsity tournament games. It is also possible that a fine of $750 and 90 days in jail could be charged against violators.

A full description of the school face mask policy can be found at the school’s web site in their Welcome page http://www.nk.k12.oh.us/welcome/ .

New contracts for employment include Clint Mikesell as cafeteria assistant, Kim Wirwille and Dustan Knapke as substitute van drivers, and Cameron Netherton and Haley Dicke as long term substitute teachers.

Jenny Fledderjohann, 4-12 principal, reported seventh-grade orientation as well as new student orientation went well with all students ready for school.

She said the professional development days on Aug. 21 and 24 gave teachers a lot of new information to process but they are excited to begin the new school year.

The first day of school for Tri-Star students is Aug. 26 and the first day of school for the general population is Sept. 1.

Also approved was a revision of school fees, the remote learning plan, van and bus routes, the Student and Teacher administration handbooks, and a revision of the classified salary sheet for 2020-21, all of which can be found at the school’s website.