(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board unanimously approved a temporary mask mandate following a lengthy discussion at their meeting today.
Jenny Williams made the motion…
The mandate goes into effect Friday.
The School District is in the process of making sure every building has face masks and face shields available in case students or staff do not have one available.
Josh McLaren said the Board has been presented with a lot of opinions and this why they decided it was time to discuss whether to implement a mask mandate or continue with the current expectations. The Board received a page and a half letter from an anonymous person; Nick Hunt presented a petition that Laura Robinson initiated in favor of a mandate; and a petition was presented to Board President Josh McLaren by a High School teacher that had 21 signatures. Board Member Laura McLean read the petition.
Each Board Member gave their reasoning on why they were for or against a mask mandate.
Lauren McLean…
Kristy Pellett…
Nick Hunt…
Josh McLaren said while he understands the quarantine and the effects on families, he said he’s a little disappointed.
McLaren said he also appreciates all of the comments, concerns, calls, texts and emails, but he is disappointed in some of them as well.
McLaren said you just can’t mandate it and then the problem is over. He said he felt the board needed to have some more discussion. However, he would support a temporary mandate.
Jenny Williams…
Atlantic School Superintendent Steve Barber said they are in the ninth week of school and they have served kids in-person every minute for the last nine weeks. He said currently four of the six buildings do not have a positive case.
You can view the entire school board meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMNn9On-NZs&feature=youtu.be
