Wico. Board of Ed. members stand behind state’s school mask mandate, parents continue voicing concerns

WICOMICO CO., Md. –  Tonight, there was a different outcome at the Wicomico County Board of Education meeting, after last week’s meeting was canceled because some parents refused to wear a mask.

The conversation continued as the board met to hear public comment after the announcement of the mask mandate for all Maryland public schools last week.

Parents and community members were present and say they’ve been reaching out to board members. “August 11th, I sent each and every board member an email. Mrs. Lewis responded,” said one parent. “This adult gets to wear their mask under their chin but does this mean my kid can? Of course not, because it’s a do as I say and not as I do thing.”

While in the meeting, board members took a vote on where they stood in terms it ended with a vote of 5 to 2.

Superintendent Donna Hanlin says despite parents’ concerns, the start of the school has been positive. On the other side of things, parents say would rather it be a choice, hoping this doesn’t lead to a vaccination mandate in the future.

“And I do not want my child to be forced to be vaccinated not one shape, form, or another. I believe the health of my child is my business, my wife, and my child,” said one parent.

“I’m going to ask you to do the right thing.  I’m going to tell you we’re going to handle the state. We’re going to remove your excuse from you,” said one parent.

Regardless of masks or vaccinations, board members stressed that faculty and students were happy to be back in schools.

This mandate will be in effect for 180 school days.