No RI Back-To-School Plans Without Mask Mandates: K-12 Council

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted Tuesday to order the state Department of Education (RIDE) not to approve any district's back-to-school plans, unless they include mask mandates.

The vote happened despite Anthony Cottone, a RIDE lawyer, telling the council the department doesn't have the authority to issue a statewide mask mandate, WPRI 12 reported. That authority lies with the Legislature by statue or Gov. Dan McKee via executive order, Cottone said. Still, council members unanimously voted for the mandate anyway. Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green told WPRI 12 she may not have the authority to issue the mandate, but will follow the directive, and RIDE will take its chances with any potential lawsuits.

"I think it was a difficult position we were all in, but I know that we want to follow the CDC guidelines," Infante-Green told WPRI 12. After the discussion tonight, the board felt compelled to make that decision."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended masks at all schools, regardless of vaccination status, but McKee has resisted issuing a statewide mandate, electing to work with school districts directly and try to convince them to change their mind on mask policies.

McKee in a news conference Tuesday said state Public Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott issued a strong recommendation that all Rhode Island school districts require masks for students, faculty, staff and visitors. And so far, nearly, 80 percent of state school districts that have made their plans issued their own mandates, including Cranston — which is one of the largest school districts in the state, McKee said. Still, some school committees, like Johnston, voted to make mask-wearing optional for students.

"Having kids uninterrupted through the school year is a high priority," McKee said. "Right now we have many students who can't get vaccinated, 5-11 years old. They need to be wearing masks. This is about our children and their safety. We're going to make sure our students can learn safely in the classroom."

It was not immediately clear what the consequences for districts will be who do not have their back-to-school plans approved because of a lack of a mask requirement.

It was not immediately clear what the consequences will be for districts whose back-to-school plans are not approved because of a lack of mask requirements.