(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte School Corporation is still working on its COVID-19 strategy for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Mark Francesconi said whether students would have to wear masks has not been decided because COVID-19 protocols will weigh heavily on the recommendations of local health officials. Francesconi said he’s still waiting to hear from the La Porte County Health Department and health officials at the state and federal levels on their suggestions on proceeding with the school year.

With the number of cases locally remaining very low, Francesconi said he sees no reason to begin the school year with many restrictions. “To do all of these restrictions and interrupt and get in the way of education to me doesn’t make sense, especially in days when people can vaccinate. We’ll see what the guidance says,” he said.

Francesconi said the only thing for certain right now is vaccinated students will not have to quarantine if they’ve had contact with someone infected. The school year in La Porte begins August 11

The New Prairie School Corporation recently decided to start the school year without requiring masks for students.