As a resident of Shelby County, and a parent of children who have been educated in our elementary, middle, and high schools, I believe that our county should hold the highest standards of health and virus prevention for our faculty, administrators, employees, and students. As you read this, the Shelby County Schools board is moving forward with a plan that does not require masks or face-coverings when schools reopen this August. This is unacceptable. 

The CDC and the medical community at large overwhelmingly agree that wearing masks or face-coverings reduces transmission of COVID-19 significantly. Shelby County is an exceptional community, with communities and  neighborhoods full of people who care not only about themselves but others. This simple act, albeit somewhat inconvenient, can and will greatly reduce the spread of this virus, and could even save the life of one of our beloved educators, librarians, administrators, custodians, resource officers or one of our own children.

We are better than the direction our school board is poised to take. Let's let them hear loud and clear that the citizens of Shelby County want the best, not only educationally for our students, but also in regards to their health.