We as parents and taxpayers of USD 232 oppose the mask mandate put in place at the August 2, 2021 board meeting.  This decision was made hastily, and leaves families with few options with the imminent school start date. We ask that the board reverse this policy and return to optional masking for all students.  

We have no idea what the long term social and emotional impacts these policies are having on young children.  The ability of children to learn social and emotional non-verbal cues is being inhibited by these policies.

Masking has many pros and cons.  We recommend the board further consider the negative aspects of masking children. This article is a good starting point as a reference. 

Masked education? The benefits and burdens of wearing face masks in schools during the current Corona pandemic