Decision Coming On Mask Mandate For Point Pleasant Boro Schools

Point Pleasant NJ

10 February, 2022

5:49 AM

Description

POINT PLEASANT BORO, NJ — Come March 7, school district officials across New Jersey will get their wish when New Jersey's mask mandate for schools is lifted: the ability to decide on the local level what is best for the district's students. Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced his intention to end the mandate, citing a continuing decline statewide in COVID-19 illnesses and infections. "We have reached a point where we feel confident that we can take another step toward normalcy for our kids," Murphy said. "Given the continued drop in new cases and hospitalizations, projections indicating a continued decline over the coming weeks, and the continued growth of vaccinations for our school-aged population, we believe that we can responsibly end the universal mask mandate." Point Pleasant Boro Superintendent Adam L. Angelozzi welcomed the announcement, but said he was waiting for details from state officials. "I am waiting to review the official Executive Order from the Governor's Office, which is slated to be signed by February 10, 2022. Once that information is released, I will provide additional information to families and staff members," Angelozzi said. "In addition, I can provide a district update at that time." Murphy's announcement said school districts and child care facilities can continue to require masks after the mandate is lifted, but school districts cannot bar anyone from wearing masks. In August, Murphy signed Executive Order 251 continuing the mask requirement for the fall, a requirement that fueled debates after Murphy allowed districts some leeway in the late spring when summer temperatures made classrooms that lack air conditioning unbearably hot. That leeway continued at the beginning of the fall, but only spurred the debates further. State health officials said guidance will be released to school districts before the mandate is lifted "to help school districts update their policies to align with the risks and unique needs of their setting and student population to ensure safe learning environments." "The Department will develop guidance that incorporates all aspects of safety in schools while children are unmasked," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said. "We know that every parent wants to do what's best for their children." Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email [email protected]