COVID-19

West Ada sees small increase in mask opt-out numbers for students

The opt-out rates among West Ada schools vary widely, with some above 50% and others below 20%. INSIDE: school-by-school rates.

One-third of West Ada students have decided not to wear masks in school

Spokesperson Char Jackson said more important than the mask opt-out numbers is contact tracing and keeping an eye on coronavirus case counts. INSIDE: A school-by-school percentage of students opting out of wearing masks.

Thousands of West Ada parents line up to opt their children out of masking

A line extended around the building early Wednesday afternoon. Parents said it was a minor inconvenience.

Leaders contemplate mask mandates as school year begins

At least 13 Idaho districts and charters are requiring masks. West Ada decided to require staff to wear masks and students can opt out with a parent’s permission.

West Ada family splits up to navigate COVID-affected school year

With an immunocompromised sister at home, 16-year-old Lili will move in with her grandparents so she can attend school in-person during her junior year.

Idaho parents: Yellow signals “no” to mask mandates

Parents are organizing at board meetings, on websites, social media platforms and with dress codes to make sure they are heard.

Boise parents voice frustrations over mask rules, Caldwell keeps masks optional

Parents in the Boise School District are upset about the board’s recent decision to require masks for the start of the school year. But many more are upset about what they consider a lack of transparency.

Boise trustees reinstate mask mandate

The change comes a week after the CDC and Central District Health updated their guidance for the upcoming school year.

Central District Health aligns K-12 guidance with new CDC recommendations

While K-12 leaders have sought guidance from health districts during the pandemic, schools don’t have to comply with local recommendations — and many didn’t last school year.

State Board approves extra COVID funds to help schools

Members also unanimously approved the contract for new BSU head football coach Andy Avalos.