The Clinton School Board has voted down an administration recommendation for a mask mandate in the schools. Mandates are being considered to battle the coronavirus spread. A recent federal court ruling stopped the enforcement of a state law banning school’s from implementing a mandate.
4 members said no to the mandate – those were Mike Pelham, Ann Reed, Missey Sullivan-Pope and Scott Bengston. Members Eric Gettes, Mike House and Jenny Green did vote yes.
Parent Kari White supported the mandate. She said although it wasn’t perfect she believed the masks were the best protection for kids at this time and have everybody wearing masks would be easier to get kids to wear them. But, White also urged everyone to have respect.
Dana Albaghdadi urged the board to adopt the mask mandate. She said it was matter of public health.
Erin George spoke against the mask mandate.
Randy Current supported the mandate saying it was not a rights issue – it was a public safety issue.
Ashley Lemon said whether students wear masks should be a parent choice.
Clinton Middle School Math Teacher Eric Brown urged the board to vote no
In leading the Board discussion – president Mike House acknowledged this would be a difficult decision for the board.
Again – at the end of the discussion the board voted down the mask mandate 4 no votes to 3
