Disposable masks are convenient but not free

Superintendent Mark Lane would like to remind Decorah Community School District students that disposable masks are convenient but far from free.

In his weekly November 6th email, he said, "Over the past few weeks, we have observed increased use of disposable face masks by students. Our primary purposes for having disposable masks available in our buildings and on our buses are for emergency student use when a cloth face mask has been forgotten and for spectators who come to district events without a face mask."

He goes on to explain that disposable face masks generally cost between $0.16 and $0.25 each, meaning a box of 2000 masks costs between $350 to $400. He's raising the alarm because this money becomes a general fund cost coming from the same funds meant to support student learning.

At the beginning of the school year, every student and staff member received two cloth face masks. Students and staff are urged to use their reusable cloth face masks rather than to rely on the availability of disposable masks at the buildings.

"Thank you to everyone for maximizing the use of reusable cloth face masks," Lane said.