Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie Niagara School Superintendents Association has fired-off a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul looking for an end to mandatory masking in schools.
"Since September of 2020, students, staff and families have faithfully followed and implemented a constantly changing mosaic of COVID-19 mitigation strategies designed to ensure that schools are safe places for learning and work," states the letter.
The letter, signed by more than three dozen area superintendents, points out the association was a leader in calling for 'test to stay' programs which have recently been universally endorsed by state and local health authorities.
The superintendents note the end of the mandatory mask mandate is slated for February 21 and are asking for advance clarity on the end of the mandate.
"Your recognition of the need to move schools from the emergency phase of COVID-19 to a time when the presence of the virus no longer completely disrupts the school experience is both refreshing and essential," the letter concludes.