PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania is following the lead of the CDC and recommending schools require masks for all K-12 students and staff.
But the final decision rests with each school district, and that is making for some tense board meetings.
“Everybody, could we please be civil?” asked North Penn School Board President Tina Stoll after a preliminary vote to require masks for all staff and students during their meeting Tuesday. (Watch at 2:12:23 into the video below.)
Public comment was cut short, after audience members wouldn’t stop yelling at each other. A board member motioned for the meeting to adjourn.
Before it descended into chaos, parents expressed their views, including what effect masks are having on their children:
"Breathing restrictions, an inability to see each other’s facial expressions, and the isolation and perpetuation of fear are clearly harmful to children’s physical and psychological well-being," said one parent.
Other parents pointed out that children 11 and younger are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Masking the children until they’re able to be vaccinated, especially in the elementary schools, will facilitate keeping the schools open," another parent said.
Those parents argued that such a plan only works if everyone wears masks.
The formal vote there is set to happen next week.
The Methacton School Board also voted to require masks in schools, following passionate but more civil public comment.
“Things need to get back to normal for these kids. They are suffering," said Marissa Rocco of Lower Providence Township.
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“I recognize and I understand that people are tired of masks. I’m tired of them. But being tired of them doesn’t change the fact that we are in the middle of a global pandemic," said Ashley Wilkerson, also of Lower Providence Township.
Perkiomen Valley also voted to require masks. Superintendent Barb Russell said they’re following CDC and Montgomery County recommendations.
“We do the best that we can do to avoid, to mitigate transmission if we layer those mitigation measures," said Russell. "Masking is one of them.”
Several other districts in Montgomery County are requiring masks, including Norristown, Abington, and Cheltenham. Others like Lower Merion are requiring them now, but still weighing their plans for the fall.
A CDC mandate requires masks on mass transit, including school buses.