Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been a challenged topic for many people around the country. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that regardless of of vaccination status, “to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.” With community transmission of COVID-19 and the Delta variant high in Summit County, Cuyahoga Falls City Schools followed suit with other local school districts on September 7th by implementing a universal mask requirement to help protect students and staff.
While many Cuyahoga Falls residents were divided over the mark requirements, some parents were still happy to have their children learning in-person instead of via remote learning. Other local residents chose to voice their outrage about their children wearing masks though, attending the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education meeting without masks on Wednesday evening, September 15th.
“Cuyahoga Falls City School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for its students and staff,” explained a district statement. “Without the required use of facial coverings in our buildings, we are at risk for higher positive cases and exponential quarantine levels.”
When the maskless group in attendance at the Board of Education meeting refused to comply with the school district’s mask mandate—which applies to all indoor school functions, including Board meetings—the police were called to maintain order and safety. The meeting was soon adjourned before it could begin, however, when the group, which had not submitted a request to be heard three days prior to the meeting, continued create a scene.
“This mandate was put in place to keep our students in our buildings and to limit the number of students and staff required to quarantine when identified as a close contact. Board of Education meetings are no different, and staff, visitors, presenters and board of education members are required to wear a facial covering,” the District statement reads.
The current mask mandate is in place through October 1st, at which time it will be reevaluated. Following this decision, the next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for October 6, during which the public will still be allowed to speak, provided they follow the proper procedures. The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department will help maintain order and allow the meeting to proceed as per convention.
“We, as a district, hope to move quickly into a more ‘normal’ classroom setting,” the District says. “However, we must follow the guidance of our state pediatric medical professionals as well as the CDC, ODH and Summit County Health Department.”
Visit the Cuyahoga Falls Board of Education online to view the agenda for this week’s adjourned meeting.
