Masks optional in Shelton schools starting Feb. 28

SHELTON — Wearing masks will become optional in schools starting Feb. 28.

Superintendent Ken Saranich informed the school community Thursday that starting on that date students and staff would no longer required to wear masks in school buildings — a sight that has become the norm for more than two years since the onset of the pandemic.

“A lot has been learned on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 since the start of this pandemic,” Saranich said. “We are now in a good place where our students and staff may use their best judgment in determining whether a mask is appropriate for them given a particular setting and situation.”

Earlier this month, Gov. Ned Lamont recommended that requiring masks in schools by students and staff end on Feb. 28. The state legislature, after votes in both the House and Senate, approved the extension of the governor’s executive order on masks until Feb. 28.

With those votes complete, Lamont last week officially eliminated the statewide school mask requirement.

Saranich said that while masking is not required in schools, federal regulations still mandate face coverings on public transportation, which includes school buses. Saranich said this mandate is not within the control of local or state officials.

Board of Education Chair Kathy Yolish said the goal of the Shelton Public Schools is to follow the executive orders and “do the best we could to keep our students and staff healthy and safe.”

Yolish said once Lamont lifted the mandate, Saranich reconvened the COVID Operations Committee to discuss all the information that was received.

“This was not a subject to be taken lightly as we not only received many emails for mask choice but also received input from those who felt that masks should be continued to be worn in the schools,” Yolish said.

The committee — comprised of Saranich, Yolish, Chief of Staff Carole Pannozzo, the schools’ medical adviser, head nurse, members of emergency management and Echo Hose, building administrators and members of the central office leadership team — met Thursday to finalize the decision.

“We will be meeting again to discuss and address additional concerns as well as updates from the state Department of Health and the state Department of Education as soon as we receive them,” Yolish said. “Our goal is to continue the priority of educating our students with continuity, sensitivity and safety.”