Masks will again be optional in school — but not quite yet

Masks in classrooms have been a contentious issue in Manchester since last fall’s county mandate. (Shutterstock photo, courtesy Bridge Michigan)

It is probably safe to say that masks have been the single biggest source of discord in the Manchester Community Schools district this school year.

When school started on August 30, the school board already had decided to make Manchester a “mask optional” district, but agreed that if the Health Department issued a county-wide mandate for masks, Manchester would follow the law and obey the mandate.

Four days later, the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) stepped in. On September 7, 2021, much to the dismay of some families and relief of others, they mandated masks for all K-12 schools throughout the county.

What followed has included four and a half months of debate, hard feelings, and upset within the school district and across the community. Masks, or lack thereof, have dominated discussion at school board meetings and on social media, topped the list of disciplinary issues at the junior/senior high school, and caused a widening rift among students, teachers, administration, and the larger community.

Although violations of the mandate occurred almost immediately, and violations had monetary fines attached, the district viewed these as a last resort and until last month did not pursue fines for non-compliance.

Last month the situation reached a tipping point when at the January 24 school board meeting, large numbers of people attended unmasked, although masks were required for all in attendance. School board president Michael Tindall stated after the meeting, “The school board has not changed our policy on honoring the lawful order from the Washtenaw County Health Department. (Superintendent) Dr. Bezeau is working closely with the health department to continue honoring their lawful order. As far as those that attended the school board meeting without masks, their names have been turned in to the Washtenaw County Health Department, and they may be fined for not complying with their lawful order.”

Although the WCHD’s enforcement officer was difficult to track down during the two weeks since the meeting happened, the Public Information Officer, Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, indicated to the Mirror that there had been ongoing discussion between Bezeau and the health department’s enforcement officer and a determination would be made “late next week (i.e., by Feb. 18).”

The situation changed again last week, before that could happen.

On February 11, WCHD released a new statement on masking in K-12 schools: “Washtenaw County Health Department will lift its remaining COVID-19 health orders in K-12 educational settings effective Feb 28. This includes two orders, one requiring masks, and another for isolation and quarantine. Since these orders were issued, pandemic conditions have changed considerably. Universal masking remains strongly recommended in K-12 educational settings and provides an additional layer of protection, especially when high-quality masks are used consistently in indoor settings. Current orders remain in effect until Feb 28. Students who test positive or are exposed as close contacts will continue to be excluded from school under the Michigan Public Health Code and existing administrative rules.”

Ringler-Cerniglia added later that evening, “given the orders will be lifted shortly, the Health Department will not take any additional action on the earlier complaints (from the January 24 meeting).” So despite the district’s attempt to finally utilize the enforcement component accompanying the mandate, no legal action or monetary fines will be levied against the adults who disregarded the mandate more than a month before its end.

In light of Friday’s statement from the county, Bezeau sent out a district-wide email on Friday afternoon, stating, “The MCS will return to … mask optional policy beginning Monday, February 28, 2022. Students and staff will continue to be encouraged to wear a mask within our buildings, and those that make that choice will be supported and respected. We will continue to adhere to the lawful orders during the next two weeks, and the mask requirement will remain in effect until February 28th. (M)asks will continue to be required and mandated on all Manchester Community Schools Transportation for bus rides to and from school, transfer bus rides, and extra-curricular bus rides as well, per the federal government requirement. School districts do not have the legal authority to change this piece of the mask requirement at this time.”

Tindall acknowledged that the next two weeks will be a difficult time for the district, knowing that there are many who already challenge the mandate and will be unhappy with the two-week delay. Others, who will be unhappy with the lifting of the mandate, may feel uncomfortable once February 28 rolls around.  

Commenting on what he feels is a poorly-timed removal of the mandate, he said, “We followed the law … I am just disappointed with the lack of interest our court system and government (agencies) had with ‘following the science’.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.