Waltham School Committee Unanimously Passes Mask Mandate

WALTHAM, MA — The Waltham School Committee unanimously passed a mask mandate for the upcoming school year at a special meeting Monday night.

The committee was voting upon Superintendent Brian Reagan's plan to require masks for all public school students this fall, a proposal that was applauded by many students, parents, and members of the school community.

"I support the superintendent's proposal," said resident Sarah McGann. "As the parent of a child who does not yet have the opportunity to get vaccinated, I will safer with him in school if everyone has a mask on."

"I am in support of a mask mandate and I believe that the comments and feelings of people who say that its trampling on freedoms are overblown," said resident Ben Silver. "I don't see this as an issue of personal freedom so much as an issue of public safety."

The superintendent's back-to-school safety plan did not pass without outbursts and interruptions during the meeting and opposition from several speakers, who argued in the name of personal freedom and the mental health of Waltham's students.

"Whether an elected official, school administrator, health official, or union member, no one has the authority to abrogate the inalienable rights of the American citizen," said resident Jim Dixon. "I appreciate the concern for public safety, but at what cost?"

"I want to remind you that these measures are experimental and your decision requires the students participation in this experiment without true informed consent," said resident Amanda Capone.

Although the number of vaccinated residents in Waltham is increasing, there is room for improvement, said Superintendent Reagan. As of August 12, approximately 63% of 12 to 15 year olds are fully vaccinated and only 34 percent of high schoolers are vaccinated.

"There are those would say that it's my child my choice and I would ask you this: is it your child your choice to let them bring a gun to school?" said Waltham High School student Sam Silver in response to mask opposition. "No. Absolutely not. Because it's a matter of public safety, not a matter of freedom."

"Everyone must do their part to help us get through this," he added.

Waltham Public Schools will host a virtual forum for families on Tuesday, August 24 to facilitate further discussion and answer questions.