Masks Credited And Blamed At Elmhurst D-205 Meeting

ELMHURST, IL — Mike Muisenga and Guido Nardini are both Elmhurst residents with children in the local public schools. But they paint different pictures of the statewide mask mandate in schools.

Muisenga blames pandemic-related mandates such as masks for plummeting test scores and mental health among students. Nardini credits them for keeping the local coronavirus caseload smaller than it otherwise would be.

They spoke during the public input portion of last week's meeting of the Elmhurst School District 205 board. At one point, the board's leader chastised the audience for interrupting.

Muisenga faulted the district for following Gov. J.B. Pritkzer's mask mandate. The state has threatened to pull money from those districts that violate it.

"There is no question that masks, the isolation and the uncertainty are taking a toll on our children and will have long-lasting effects," Muisenga said.

He said he was tired of hearing about the "mask police" when he comes home from work every day.

"I can't remember the last conversation I've had with any of my children about math, English, geography, gym or anything related to learning or socializing with their peers," Muisenga said.

Instead, he said his children speak about masks and how they're not being worn right. He said the district should go mask optional.

"It's time to take control of our children's lives," Muisenga said. "COVID is here to stay."

The audience applauded, with one man yelling, "Nice speech!"

Nardini said he appreciated the schools are in person and noted the recent spike in coronavirus cases.

"Gov. Pritzker's mask mandate was pretty prescient," Nardini said. "I can't imagine what the cases would be like if nobody had masks."

Some in the audience jeered Nardini's comment.

"Enough!" the board's president, Kara Caforio, shouted.

Audience member Paul Kenna piped up, "I wish I would have had that response."

Last month, he was shouted down during public comments when he did not wear a mask.

Caforio told Kenna, "You can leave the room, please, or be quiet. Thank you."

Nardini continued by saying that his children got their booster shots.

"I don't have to worry about them dying if they get COVID," he said. "To date, no one in 205 has died because of COVID. That is a success story that you guys and the governor can take credit for."

Nardini said the anti-mask sentiments are depressing. But he urged the board not to let such comments distract them.

"You know it's your job to keep 205 strong and to keep our kids safe," he said.