Masks Will Be Optional At Hillsborough Schools Beginning March 7

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Schools will be shifting to a mask optional policy effective March 7, announced Board President Paul Marini at the Thursday night meeting.

"We want students in school returning to as much normalcy as possible as quickly as practicable while keeping the students and staff healthy and safe as possible," said Hillsborough Schools Acting Superintendent Feltre during the meeting.

While the wearing of masks in schools will be optional, Feltre said the community must still work together to stop any spread.

"The greatest mitigation is staying home when ill. We need continued adherence from students and staff and parents for optional masking to be successful," said Feltre.

More information on the new policy will be sent out to parents closer to the end of February.

Several residents spoke in reference to masks including Marcus Turiello who said he is "for permanent mask removals for our kids."

Another parent Tiffany Neil asked that the board not "just drop the mask mandate cold turkey. Please adopt a mask mandate that is linked to COVID data."

Board member Gregory Gillette said he was happy the district was able to make this decision.

"I prefer that we have local control over what do in our community. Especially with a sensitive issue like this that can be polarizing. I like to hear from the constituents and make our decision here," said Gillette.

Board member John Oliver also was in support of the mask optional choice.

"Students can not see a smile from another student in a hallway and there are some struggles students are having as a result of this. So I am looking forward to this being put behind us," said Oliver.

Murphy said the statewide mandate will end on March 7 but left it up to individual school districts and daycare centers to decide if they wish to continue maske requirements afterward if they choose. Read More: Schools Can Extend Mask Mandate, But NJ Requirement Ends In March

People who choose to wear masks may continue to do so. Murphy will extend New Jersey's public-health state of emergency for one more month to allow schools to make the adjustment.

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