Greensburg Salem approves mask 'recommendation' for new school year

When Greensburg Salem students and staff head back to class for the fall semester, they’ll have a choice on whether to wear masks inside schools.

Some school board members, however, are concerned parents won’t realize students have that flexibility.

As several parents voiced their objections to governmental mask mandates, the board voted 6-3 this week to approve an updated covid-19 health and safety plan that indicates masks are recommended for all staff, students and visitors who enter K-12 buildings.

The plan states that masks are required only when students are riding on district school buses, per a federal mandate. Acting Superintendent Ken Bissell stressed that inside buildings, students can wear masks but they will not be required.

Board members Robin Savage, Brian Conway and Jeff Metrosky voted against the health plan, arguing the word “recommended” would lead parents to believe their children must wear face coverings. They received no support for their proposal to add the word “optional” to the plan’s language regarding masks.

“Why can’t we just make a clear and precise statement with the plan? Masks are recommended by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) but are optional until mandates are set forth,” Savage said. “What does it hurt to put that line in there?”

“The word ‘recommended’ speaks for itself,” board member Frank Gazze said. “Recommend does not mean required.”

In addition to “recommended” being reflected in the language used by the CDC and the state Department of Health, Bissell said it also could provide the district additional protection in the event of any potential covid-related lawsuit.

“Why are we forcing extreme measures on our children?” asked Susan DeJeet of Salem. “Let it be optional.”

Countering the notion that covid-19 poses little risk for children, Dr. Dakota Peterson, a 2010 Greensburg Salem graduate who now works at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, told the board she saw 30 kids who were infected with the virus admitted to the hospital last month.

She recalled having to intubate a 16-year-old boy to assist his breathing as he struggled with the disease.

“We want to keep your kids in school as long as possible,” she said. “We know that’s best for their physical, emotional and social well-being. The way to do that is to wear masks.”

Bissell said the district intends this coming year to provide students with in-person instruction five days per week, while online remote lessons will be an alternative option for families that desire it.

According to the district’s health and safety plan, Greensburg Salem staff won’t monitor mask-wearing preferences of students and their families.

Bissell suggested that if adults in the district are tolerant of individuals’ differing decisions on whether to wear masks, students will reflect that acceptance at school.

The plan also notes “3 feet social distancing will be required at the greatest extent possible.” Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided for every classroom space, and frequently touched areas will be cleaned daily.

The plan sets forth quarantine guidelines, depending on exposure, developing symptoms and vaccination status.

School nursing staff are to determine whether a student is displaying symptoms and needs to be sent home. The district will rely on the state Department of Health to conduct contact tracing.