Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The school year has just ended, but parents are already looking ahead to the fall, and if COVID19 related restrictions will still be in place in their district come September.
Wendy Mistretta of the Buffalo District Parent Coordinating Council says not much is known so far about possible COVID adjustments. "All we know for sure is every single child who wants to be in school five days a week, will be in school five days a week," but Mistretta says there's no outline on what that will look like.
Mistretta tells WBEN she hopes masks will be an option. "We know there are families for whatever reason, if they want their child to wear a mask, should be able to wear a mask, so we have to keep that in mind," explains Mistretta. She doesn't want it to be a requirement however. "My kids have been vaccinated for a couple of months but they had to wear a mask," she notes.
Mistretta says she wants to look at what's best for each child. "Just to have plans for any contingency is important so we should have plans," says Mistretta.
One obstacle is the person coordinating matters is no longer with the district. Darren Brown-Hall became superintendent at Williamsville schools.
Charlie Maclay just saw two of his children graduate from WIlliamsville schools, and notes he is not up to date on any COVID requirement changes come September. But he hopes things will be before the pandemic. "These kids need to get back to school and have some freedom so hopefully COVID doesn't return and lead to a return to abnormalcy," says Maclay.
Maclay fears schools may be hesitant to make changes. "If there's anything on the horizon and the state department of health gives them a reason it could be a problem," noting that may be out of possible litigation.
State Senator Sean Ryan said last week he's optimistic things will be back to normal. "There's a lot of room between now and September, and as long as we continue to get healthier, I predict there will be no rules COVID related," says Ryan.
