Riverview School District students and staffers will start the new school year Aug. 26 wearing masks.

The requirement is part of the district’s updated health and safety plan.

Superintendent Neil English said multiple factors were considered when making the mask mandate. Among them are recommendations from the Allegheny County Health Department, state Department of Education, infectious disease doctors at UPMC and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

He also noted vaccinations are not available to half of the student population because of their age, and covid cases in Allegheny County have risen to levels near last winter and spring.

“Although we understand the frustration of the mask issue and that during the summer, masks weren’t universally worn, every student and staff effectively used cloth masks last year with little to no issue or concern,” English said. “According to reports from UPMC Lead Council, masks do not pose a risk to students, and reduces risks in schools and ultimately saves lives.”

English presented the updated plan at a school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 16.

Board President Lisa Ashbaugh said she supports the administration’s recommendations.

“I think the administration’s recommendations are once again putting the health and safety first of all students and staff,” she said. “We have been doing that since the beginning of the pandemic and need to stay the course for a while longer.

“We will periodically review the plan as the number of covid cases decreases. I think with the number of covid cases rising right now, our best option is to start the year wearing masks and revisit this as the numbers start to decrease. Safety has to be our number one priority.”

Masks will be required on buses as well as in the classrooms. Visitors also need to be masked. Masks are optional during outside activities.

Other mitigation efforts include enhanced ventilation and air quality control, regular cleaning and sanitization and social distancing when possible.

An email was to be sent to district families informing them of the plan. It was also posted on the district’s website, rsd.k12.pa.us.

Preparing for Riverview’s 50th anniversary

The district was formed in 1971 via merger of the Verona and Oakmont school districts.

English said banners with a new district logo and being printed, and plans are in the works for an extensive homecoming week with activities to commemorate the anniversary.

Board member Tara Jean Schaaf said everyone is excited to welcome back students and celebrate Riverview’s history.

“I think we have some great things coming up, especially with the 50th anniversary of the district this year,” Schaaf said. “I’m also hopeful we can make this year more like school was before covid and have all the usual activities throughout the year.

“As a parent of a senior student, I hope she can experience all of the normal senior events and getting ready for graduation and what’s to come after. I’m also excited for all of the new kindergarteners we have signed up for the new year. It’ll be so nice to have all of the students and teachers back together.”

About 915 students are enrolled for the upcoming milestone year.

The district has worked extensively since the June graduation on improving the students’ learning experience.

All elementary students and teachers are expected to have new computers via purchases made through federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.

Other capital improvements include HVAC system upgrades as well as concrete and paving, electricity and playground updates and other projects.

Riverview also received a grant to buy a “grow pod” so it can start producing farm-to-table foods.

No major personnel moves were made, and no programs are cut in the district’s 2021-22 budget.

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