The New York State Department of Health mask mandate directed to children in public schools is set to expire by February 21, 2022. Governor Hochul has indicated that once the state mandate lapses “I expect all school districts will say, 'We don't have to do this anymore.'"

We, the parents, students and community of the Port Washington school district, wish to make clear to the Board of Education that we believe the district mandate should end on February 21.  Parents should be free to mask their children if they find that to be in their child’s best interest, but parents should not be forced to mask their children. Forced masking of all children would be inconsistent with the determination of the NY State Department of Health that masks should no longer be mandated in schools.  

Please restore parental choice in masking to the families of the Port Washington School District. Please end your mask mandate on February 21.