Norwin halts school board meeting over mask issue

The Norwin School Board halted its meeting shortly after it started Monday because some people in the audience refused to wear masks as required by the state.

District solicitor Russell Lucas gave those without masks the opportunity to put one on, and, after announcing “one last chance,” declared that no business would be conducted.

Amidst shouts from the audience in the high school auditorium, including some who yelled “no backbone,” the board voted to combine its workshop meeting with its voting meeting on Sept. 20, and do both in a virtual manner. The meeting was adjourned about six minutes after it opened.

Jeffrey Pritts, Norwin’s school resource officer, stood in front of the school board table as board members and administrators filed out of a side door. He was joined by a North Huntingdon police officer and about four other township officers arrived at the auditorium to maintain order.

Brian Carlton, board president, said that families with children in the district were notified in an email on Friday that masks would be required in the building, and the notice was posted on the school district website.

Opposition to the mask mandate was evident at the August board meeting, where those who spoke against masks were given more verbal support than those who favored them.

Norwin intended to start the school year with masks being an option, but on Aug. 31 the state ordered all students, faculty and staff wear masks in school buildings. Norwin had signs posted at the high school entrance that masks were required of those who entered the building.