3 officials shun masks after pleas

After three teachers died from COVID-19 in Cobb County, Georgia, school board officials refused to wear face masks at a board meeting Thursday when asked by a district employee to don them.

It was kindergarten art teacher Patrick Key’s dying wish.

“Patrick felt passionate about wearing masks during the pandemic,” his obituary said. “In lieu of flowers, please buy and wear a mask to protect others and yourself in honor of him.”

Key, 53, a resident of Marietta, died on Christmas Day after a 41-day battle against COVID-19, according to the obituary.

At the board meeting last week, district employee Jennifer Susko asked all eight board members and the superintendent to honor Key by observing a moment of silence and putting on face masks “as a tribute to this teacher, who did everything you asked of him – even teaching through a pandemic.”

“As teachers and staff are being asked to do more than ever, we would appreciate that more be done to remember and honor Patrick tonight,” Susko said, according to a recording of the meeting.

As Susko paused for more than 10 seconds of silence, two board members and the superintendent, who were not wearing face masks, did not put them on.

“I’d like the record to reflect that some of you did not wear a mask, the final request of a Cobb teacher who died. Your actions in these two minutes have spoken louder than words,” Susko said. “We see where your priorities are.”