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Mask Mandate Update - Updated Jan. 28, 2022
UPDATE January 28, 2022
Earlier this week, the Appellate Division, Second Department issued a stay order which upheld the Department of Health’s mask requirement in schools (10 NYCRR 2.60). Although the court set a hearing deadline for today, the State Education Department has confirmed that this deadline pertained only to written submissions. SED anticipates that the court will issue a further ruling in the coming weeks. Until such time, the mask rule remains in effect. School districts must also abide by any commitment to mask wearing contained in their publicly posted reopening plans for the 2021-2022 school year.
Original Message from January 25, 2022
Dear NECSD students, families, faculty, and staff,
Earlier today, there was some confusion about the legal process surrounding an ongoing decision regarding wearing masks in schools. The information shared by the district this morning was based on direction from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and legal counsel. As we mentioned at that time, we rely on the experts in this area, so we can remain focused on educating our scholars.
Late this afternoon, the New York State Appellate Division granted the application by the Department of Health and the Governor’s office, confirming the lower court’s decision is stayed pending further proceedings regarding mask mandates. This means that the mask mandate remains in effect for schools across the state. Therefore, no changes have been made for our district. Anyone who enters an NECSD school or district building must continue wearing a proper fitting face mask.
We recognize that there are different emotions surrounding this issue. The pandemic has affected each of us in a wide variety of ways. It has been two very long years with an undetermined amount of time until we can all feel a sense of normalcy again. Thank you for the passion you have for our children and for taking the time to share your feedback respectfully and in a constructive manner. With your continued support, we have come a long way from March 2020 and are glad to be in a place where a majority of our scholars have returned to learning in our school buildings.
We should have more information this week. It is anticipated that the Appellate Court will hear oral arguments on this case this Friday January 28, 2022 at 10am. If the court should make any other decisions regarding the mask mandate, we will share those updates with you as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support.
Sincerely,
Ed Forgit
Interim Superintendent of Schools
25 de enero de 2022
Estimados estudiantes, familias, profesores y personal de NECSD,
Hoy temprano, hubo cierta confusión sobre el proceso legal en torno a una decisión en curso sobre el uso de máscaras en las escuelas. La información compartida por el distrito esta mañana se basó en la dirección del Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York (NYSED) y el Departamento de Salud del Estado de Nueva York (NYSDOH) y el asesoramiento legal. Como mencionamos en ese momento, confiamos en los expertos en esta área, por lo que podemos permanecer enfocados en educar a nuestros estudiantes.
A última hora de la tarde, la División de Apelaciones del Estado de Nueva York concedió la solicitud del Departamento de Salud y la oficina del Gobernador, lo que confirma que la decisión del tribunal inferior se suspendió en espera de más procedimientos relacionados con los mandatos de uso de mascarillas. Esto significa que el mandato de mascarilla sigue vigente para las escuelas de todo el estado. Por lo tanto, no se han realizado cambios para nuestro distrito. Cualquier persona que ingrese a una escuela o edificio del distrito de NECSD debe continuar usando una máscara facial adecuada.
Reconocemos que hay diferentes emociones en torno a este tema. La pandemia nos ha afectado a cada uno de nosotros en una amplia variedad de formas. Han sido dos años muy largos con una cantidad de tiempo indeterminada hasta que todos podamos sentir una sensación de normalidad nuevamente. Gracias por la pasión que siente por nuestros niños y por tomarse el tiempo para compartir sus comentarios de manera respetuosa y constructiva. Con su apoyo continuo, hemos recorrido un largo camino desde marzo de 2020 y estamos contentos de estar en un lugar donde la mayoría de nuestros estudiantes han regresado a aprender en nuestros edificios escolares.
Deberíamos tener más información esta semana. Se anticipa que la Corte de Apelaciones escuchará los argumentos orales sobre este caso este viernes 28 de enero de 2022 a las 10 a.m. Si el tribunal debe tomar alguna otra decisión con respecto al mandato de máscara, compartiremos esas actualizaciones con usted lo más rápido posible.
Gracias por su constante paciencia y apoyo.
Atentamente,
Ed Forgit
Superintendente Interino de Escuelas
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
