Dear Knox County Board of Education and Superintendent Thomas,

We the undersigned parents, teachers and members of Knox County encourage you to continue with the current education plan which includes masks as an optional safety measure to be elected by individual families during the 21/22 school year. As a community, we share the goal of keeping our kids healthy and safe from many risks including COVID, mental unwellness, and physical & psychological harm. Unfortunately, especially during this time, the risk to our children is not singular. Nor is it exclusive.

In that regards, we have been delighted since the mask mandates expired because we believe the option to choose has given families the ability to exercise their individual needs to help reach optimal success (including mental wellness). 

It is the mission of Knox County Board of Education to provide excellent and accessible learning opportunities that empower all students to realize their full potential. Whereas mask mandates inhibit many of our students from accessible learning opportunities and diminish their potential, we urge you to continue with the current education settings in which MASKS ARE OPTIONAL.

There is no doubt that having to make choices in which, clearly, not everyone will be happy - has been quite challenging. We thank you for your service to our community and, most importantly, for standing strong for our students.

Sincerely,