Superintendent Urges Families To Wait 'Little While Longer'

MALVERNE, NY — Malverne Superindent of Superintendent Dr. Lorna Lewis is busy planning for the next school year. In an online letter, Lewis said the next budget meeting is scheduled for March 1.

Lewis is also looking toward a post-COVID-19 era.

"I feel it coming, so I implore you to hold on just a little while longer," she writes.

The educator held a virtual meeting with Gov. Hochul recently as the state moves closer to removing the mask mandate in schools.

The superintendent said she has gotten plenty of feedback from parents, "some are eager to take the masks off, and some are fearful of an unmasked environment."

Masks would still be required for school buses.

As all the major COVID-19 metrics are trending downward, Malverne will provide each student and staffer with testing kits to take home for the February break. Lewis said they will be handed out on Feb. 16.

The school district is planning for a state announcement during the February break to follow adjoining states in going mask optional.

"Let us continue the safe practices, get vaccinated, and get tested when experiencing symptoms," Lewis said.