LI Superintendent 'Saddened' At Mask Mandate Uncertainty

SEAFORD, NY — We're awaiting an appellate court to rule on whether Gov. Kathy Hochul's mask mandate is unconstitutional in indoor public settings. including schools.

Schools were temporarily ordered to reenact the mask mandate, which had been struck down by a State Supreme Court judge earlier in the week.

This has led to confusion and frustration at the school level.

"The events of this week have been particularly disheartening," Seaford School Superintendent Dr. Adele Pecora wrote families. "Schools have been placed in an untenable situation with the back and forth legal decisions regarding the mandate by the State to wear masks in the school setting."

But until the courts rule formally on the state's appeal, everyone is expected to keep masks on in schools.

"Please be aware that any individual not wearing a mask will not be able to remain in school," Pecora said.

She cautioned in the letter that the mask guidance is subject to change based on how the appellate court rules.

However, Pecora said that will not impact students on school buses.

"It is a federal mandate to wear masks on school buses," Pecora wrote. "This is the same requirement that exists for air travel and public transportation."

The Seaford educator said she understands the frustrations within the community and is "saddened that school districts are in the position of implementing procedures tied to vacillations in the law," she said.