Even as the pandemic may be winding down, mask-wearing was a topic for the Cobleskill-Richmondville school board Monday night.
At issue was whether elementary students must wear masks during summer school.
Superintendent Carl Mummenthey presented recommendations for COVID safety protocols for the summer, and while board members agreed with most, some questioned elementary mask-wearing.
Although most safety rules during the 18-month pandemic came from Albany or Washington, neither has given much guidance as COVID numbers decline.
“This the fist time the state said masks are a community-based decision,” Mr. Mummenthey said.
Hence, the C-R mask discussion.
Aimee Yorke argued that kindergartners through fifth-graders run the least risk of contracting COVID, and “they deserve to see each others’ faces” during summer school.
Board member Susan Strasser, a physician, said that low risk is not zero risk, adding young children could still spread the virus.
Board President Bruce Tryon wondered about keeping staff safe if few elementary kids wore masks.
But Ms. Yorke pointed out that she wasn’t pushing for a mask ban.
“I’m not saying no masks, I’m saying make them optional,” she said.
Other board members, except Dr. Strasser, agreed, with Vice President Steve Philbrick saying masks for elementary students should be the parents’ choice.
Board members agreed with Mr. Mummenthey’s other recommendations:
•Under two years old, no mask.
•Middle and high school, masks are encouraged but not required.
•For vaccinated staff, masks are encouraged but not required; for unvaccinated, masks are required.
•Masks are mandated on buses.
•Masks are optional outdoors.
Mr. Mummenthey emphasized that these protocols apply only to summer school.