Community Speaks On Mask Mandate At East Brunswick BOE Meeting

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Parents from the East Brunswick School District came forward with their views on mask mandates and students' safety at a recent Board of Education meeting, as schools get ready to reopen soon.

The East Brunswick School District will be following Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order on mask mandates for the upcoming school year.

Read More Here: East Brunswick Schools Will Follow NJ Guidance On Mask Mandate

While some parents supported the school district’s mask mandates, others expressed concern. Resident Oleg Dulin said he supported the state’s mask mandates, as did his family, friends and neighbors. "Not sending my child to in-person school is not a choice. Schools closing because of a COVID outbreak is not a valid option for us either,” he said "Masks only work if everyone is wearing them. The choice, therefore, is between all kids at school and all staff wearing masks to protect one another and the community, or a very real possibility of schools going back to virtual.”

A resident who went by her first name, Arlene told the board that children who don’t wear a mask should not be allowed to board and those who show up to school without a mask should not be admitted to budlings. “It is the only proven device we have for children under 12 that allows them to go to school safely so that they themselves don’t get it and they don’t bring this illness home to their family members,” she said.

Meanwhile, another parent said Superintendent Victor Valeski provided zero data on how masking is safe. He said no state agency or governor has provided anyone with data that masks help. The parent believed that extended mask use cause harm to children.

Resident Wendy Seigel spoke about the option of virtual classes for immunocompromised children. She thanked the board for keeping students safe with the mask mandate.

New Jersey has asked school districts to bring back students for in-person learning this fall, without the option for virtual classes.

Board member Mark Carangelo spoke about the safety of students and asked if there was a specific kind of mask that worked better. He asked the superintendent if the district could provide a uniform type of mask” to students.

Superintendent Victor Valeski said the district has a vast supply, with school nurses wearing a specific type of masks and replacement masks available to students, if they need them.

On Aug. 6, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all New Jersey students, educators, staff, and visitors will have to mask up in school buildings - regardless of vaccination status.

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