Dear Denville Board of Education, Dr Forte, and Dr Cullis.

Thank you all for striving to plan for a successful 2021-2022 school year.

We want you to know that regardless of any change in the CDC guidance, suggestions from the AAP, or proposals from the Departments of Education or Health, we do not consent to mandatory masking as a condition for our children to receive an in-person education this fall. We allowed them to attend in the 2020-2021 term with a mask, or kept them virtual before data existed to establish that masking children was neither necessary nor beneficial to their health.

We respect that there are parents who want their children masked, and we deserve the same respect and choice to do what we feel is best for our children.

As you may be aware, there is already pending litigation in the U.S District Court of New Jersey intended to prohibit the Governor, Department of Education and Department of Health from issuing future mask mandates. For reference, the case number is 2:21-cv-13271. We are not participants in the litigation, but we concur with the proposed class Plaintiffs that injunctive relief is appropriate.

It is our sincere hope that the Board will respect parental rights and conclude that parents can make the best decision for their own individual child/children's medical health.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this extremely important matter.