The Mercer Board of Education in their monthly meeting on Monday, reviewed safety precautions for classes that started yesterday and recommended that face coverings be optional but encouraged in school buildings. Masks will be mandatory for everyone on school buses due to insurance restrictions. Students will also be able to choose to attend Mercer School District in person, or they can take online classes through Rural Virtual Academy, but will be unable to switch instructional models during the semester. Staff and students will continue to self assess and the COVID Clinic will be open at the school from 7:45 to 11am on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday and will provide additional testing if needed.