BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Palm Beach County School Board is set to discuss masks at Wednesday’s meeting — although it’s unclear why a mask discussion is slated at all.
Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy issued the equivalent of an ‘executive order’ last week, declaring that masks will remain mandatory in the school district until the school year ends on June 18th, then become optional for the 2021-2022 school year. Masks will be required for summer programs — but only while students or campers are inside.
Even with the new directive considered “sensible” but both sides of the mask debate, Board Member Marcia Andrews added this to the upcoming agenda:
”School Board Member Marcia Andrews will discuss parental options and/or flexibility regarding mask wearing and CDC guidelines to include: ESE (IEP) students needs; ELL students needs; students with underlying health issues; students given discipline referrals; summer school participation; and mental, social and emotional needs.”
There is no specific “public discussion” for masks on the agenda — it’s unclear what the public would discuss. By making masks optional, the school district is appeasing both sides of the equation, telling those who wish to wear masks that they may, and telling those who wish to not wear a mask that their position is fine, too.
