Glen Rock Superintendent Inundated With Mask Emails

GLEN ROCK, NJ — If anyone had any questions about it, yes, Glen Rock Public Schools Superintendent Brett Charleston is getting your emails.

In a letter posted Thursday, Charleston said he and the Board of Education Trustees had been receiving messages as part of what is likely a "coordinated effort" to mass email opinions on the masking policy for the upcoming school year.

That policy is set to be determined at the end of August or early September, Charleston said, but it also may be out of his control.

Charleston explained that the decision will likely come down to what guidance is offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New Jersey Department of Health and Department of Education, the local board of health and also data.

In fact, a decision to mandate masks has already been made by Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced Friday that students will be wearing masks in September.

To go a step further, the CDC recommends masks in workplaces, public buildings and stores in areas of substantial or high spread, regardless of vaccination status.

In New Jersey, all 21 counties are marked as areas of substantial or high spread.

So what does this mean for those emails?

Charleston said he appreciates that people want to be a part of the process, but believes there's a misunderstanding of the procedures that go into making the decision.

"I understand the level of anxiety that exists among parents, staff and students. However, my role is to make a decision based on data and guidance and in the best interests of our students and staff," he said.

"I know that this is a very controversial topic and one that is currently being debated nationally. Please be assured that my decision will not be based on politics or external pressure from stakeholders."

Parents will have an opportunity to comment on the plan once it's presented, however.

Charleston said the return to school plan will be shared prior to the Aug. 23 Board of Education meeting, at which time the board will allow public comment on all parts of the plan, including masking.

After those comments are receiving, the board will have time to consider any changes or adjustments prior to the first day of school on Sept. 9.

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