New state guidelines for reopening Iowa schools this fall say face coverings should be allowed, but not required. Districts may set their own rules, but state officials say parents must be notified if district standards are stricter than the state guidelines. The Iowa Department of Education recommends against screening students and staff as they arrive at school as people can be sick without having a fever. Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, says these state guidelines are deeply disappointing.

The Department of Education’s guidance encourages schools to teach students not to criticize the choice of wearing or NOT wearing a mask.