LI Educator 'Dismayed' By Mask Mandate Confusion

BELLMORE, NY — As an appellate judge ruled that the stay order for mask mandate has been extended, one Long Island educator reflected on the mixed messages that have been sent from the courts and government.

Michael Harrington, superintendent of schools at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, wrote to families that he is "dismayed at the confusion and discord" that the recent events caused to the school community.

Harrington sought "more definitive answers as to what to expect in the coming weeks."

But in the short term, it means masks must be worn by everyone in schools and on school buses.

A letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul from Harrington and other Board of Education members was also posted showing that they, "strongly voice our concern and displeasure over the continued inconsistent messages regarding mask mandates which have confused and divided our communities."

The letter asks Hochul if there is a plan to end the mask mandate.

"It is imperative to communicate with school districts. We have many unanswered questions, but most importantly, do you have a specific matrix that you are using to determine when this will happen?" the board wrote.

Harrington acknowledged the many emails with a "wide array of viewpoints" from parents.

He also said the district is preparing for an inevitable change to the state's mandate and they have been developing protocols during these last two years to keep everyone safe and "move us closer and closer to a normalized school environment."