HUMBOLDT — “Our commissioners, our health department; they’re not in our schools,” said board chair Kevin Heisler.
It was a statement of frustration that encapsulated much of the evening’s brief discussion during the USD 258 board meeting.
Indeed, the night began with a rare “outside comment” from a concerned parent-teacher, who articulated numerous worries about how she thought COVID-19 precautions were negatively affecting students.
“Personally, I don’t know why we’re requiring masks,” she said, and went on to argue that masks and social distancing were creating social-emotional problems, and would ultimately lead to decreased teacher retention.
To conclude her statement, the parent-teacher also suggested that the board reject the mask mandate adopted by Allen County commissioners.
She was not alone in her sentiments, as other members of the board and district members were in agreement with many of her concerns.
For example, board chair Heisler requested a special discussion section during the meeting, where he and others likewise suggested challenging the mask mandate, or at least loosening certain safety precautions.
“Why are they wearing masks, social distancing,” he asked rhetorically. He also asked why gyms were not being used during activity periods along with suggesting challenges to other COVID-19 measures, such as having students arrange themselves in alphabetical order to aid with contact tracing.
What followed next was a discussion that evinced confusion over who had the final say as to the implementation of safety measures.
Was it the governor? The Multi-County Health Department? Allen County commissioners?
Emotions began to run high, and few in attendance seemed aware of the legal force that commissioners had to enact a mask mandate and other measures, following a ceding of authority by the governor.
Part of the evening’s frustrations also stemmed from the fact that teachers had been having a difficult time getting students to wear masks properly, when they were wearing them at all, though few present could offer solutions as to what alternatives might be possible.
Again, the question was asked whether mandates might be challenged or restrictions loosened.
Teachers expressed multiple frustrations as well, with a kindergarten instructor saying she felt like every COVID-19 restriction went against her instincts as an educator, despite a desire to keep kids safe.
For instance, she mentioned how difficult it is to get young children to understand social distancing and minimizing touching other students’ belongings or toys.
Another sentiment that arose was the fear that if precautions weren’t followed, this would possibly mean returning to an all-online model for teaching, which everyone seemed to agree was not desirable.
