After two and a half hours of discussion on adopting the Governor’s mask mandate, the South Central School Board Thursday night adjourned without taking action. That leaves the district’s original Return to Learning plan in place that makes wearing a mask recommended, but not mandated.
The school board could take up the issue again at its regular meeting next Wednesday, but at this point Superintendent Kerry Herdes says it is not on the agenda.
The board all seemed to agree with those in the audience who spoke against the mask mandate, but were concerned about the consequences. Herdes says 34 other school district’s have either rejected or took no action on the Governor’s mandatory mask requirement and now face being put on probation for non-compliance and if corrective action is not taken in 60 to 90 days potential loss of accreditation which would cut off state and federal money, make the district’s diplomas worthless and cut off participation in sports. Herdes says the North Clay School District that also took a stand against the masking policy has already received a letter from the State Board of Education threatening probation.
Herdes says he doesn’t like the threats, but noted the school district had a lot to lose by not complying with the Governor.
Board Chairman Michael Vandeveer said the state had put the district in a tough spot, but Board Member Danny Heistand was ready to stand up against the Governor.
“I’d rather spend money on an attorney and fight this if this is the will of our community. They voted for us and this is what they want, and I think this is what the board wants but they are scared of the Governor and his threats. I say we call his bluff.”
The estimated 40 in attendance pushing the board not to approve the mask mandate said they would be there to stand behind them. Others called on board members not wanting to vote against the mandate to resign or face a petition to be removed from the board.
One of those speaking before the board was parent Michelle Linder who noted the death rate in children from COVID-19 is less than the flu and she thought her kindergarten daughter last year suffered constant headaches due to having to wear the masks.
“We have a constitutional right to choose what we do with our body and give our children these choices. We still have the freedom of speech and religion within the 1st amendment and the 14th amendment gives the the right over our body. My body my choice. Please allow us the option to choose.”
The Minister of the Calvary Pentecostal Church in Farina Sam Hester said both he and his wife had COVID, he lost a grandparent, and 40 members of his congregation got the disease but he still felt the masking requirement was out of line.
“We need to remember that the school system was designed to help the families, especially those who are falling behind. Not to control the family or dictate to them what to do.”
Hester said if necessary he would educate students in his church.
Three students also spoke against the masks and how it was adversely impacting their high school experience including incoming senior and FFA chapter president Alec Langley.
“Covid-19 has virtually taken over my high school career. My freshman year was the only normal year of high school I’ve had so far, and many know it’s a tough year already. Masks are distracting, uncomfortable and aggravating. I don’t think it’s fair to follow the Governor, especially when he’s making his decisions on bigger communities, mostly Chicago.”
Incoming senior Brandon Heistand added he and his friends are all together outside of school and don’t wear masks making any mandate in school ineffective.
The meeting concluded with Vandeveer first seeking a motion to put the mask mandate into effect. When no motion was made the board adjourned.
The meeting was moved to the South Central Middle School cafeteria due to the size of the crowd. Strong winds had knocked out power to the area and the meeting ended in the dark with only flashlights available to see each other.
