Brookfield Board Of Ed Sets Confab To Discuss Mask Mandate Future

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting to discuss local authority for mandated mask wearing.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday he is recommending the state not extend its school mask mandate past Feb. 28. The governor's emergency pandemic powers by which the mandate was enacted expire on Feb. 15, and are not scheduled to be renewed.

Lamont said the decision whether masks be required in the state's schools would be made at the district level.

Schools will receive updated guidance from the Connecticut Department of Health, but there will not be "one firm metric," according to DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani.

"As always, decisions will be made that are in the best interest of health and safety," Superintendent John Barile said in an email to parents. "In its decision making process, the Board plans to consider its existing policy, current health data and both Dr. Sullivan’s (Brookfield Health Director) and Dr. Garcia’s (District Medical Advisor) recommendations. The Board will then vote on a path forward after it discusses this important issue."

The special meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 14. Barile said that parents would be notified of the BOE's decision once it was finalized, and provided with any additional information necessary ahead of Feb. 28.