Bethel Park sticking with optional mask policy for schools

• PSEA recommends mask-wearing at all Pa. schools, B-3

• Mars Area schools adds patriotism to district mission statement,

Despite several failed motions to revise the district’s health and safety plan to require masks, the Bethel Park school board on Tuesday let stand its Aug. 2 decision to make masks optional for students and staff.

Zeb Jansante, assistant superintendent for administration, said prior to the board’s votes that if masks were to remain optional, the district would have to follow 14-day quarantine measures for students or staffers who come in close contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive. If masks were required, he said only the infected person would have to B-2 quarantine.

Speaking during a four -hour meeting, board member Ken Nagel made a motion to revise the health and safety plan to include universal masking for all students and staff until Allegheny County or Bethel Park achieved a minimum 80% vaccination rate among eligible individuals.

That motion failed in a 6-2 vote with Mr. Nagel and Pamela Dobos voting in favor of the amendment. Barry Christenson, Connie Ruhl, Darren McGregor, Jim Modrak, Russ

Spicuzza and Vince Scalzo dissented. Kimberly Walsh Turner was absent.

“At this time, I believe it is clear universal masking is the greatest way we can protect our children’s safety and education until we reach a herd immunity level through vaccination in our community,” Mr. Nagel said.

Mr. Spicuzza disagreed, saying there are studies that masks do not block the transmission of COVID-19.

“The science says they do not work,” he said.

Ms. Dobos then made a motion stating universal masking would be mandated for all persons in all buildings regardless of vaccination status. That motion failed with a 4-4 vote with Ms. Dobos, Mr. Modrak, Mr. Nagel and Mr. Scalzo voting in favor of the amendment.

Ms. Dobos said she had many reasons for her motion, including masks being recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local pediatricians, the Allegheny County Health Department and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“I want to keep kids in school. I think that’s the most important thing. I think that if we don’t keep kids in school we’ll have immense problems,” Ms. Dobos said.

After Ms. Dobos’ motion failed, Mr. Modrak then made a motion to amend the plan to require masks for everyone in all buildings regardless of vaccination status, but that the plan would be revisited twice per month at regular board meetings.

That motion failed by the same 4-4 vote.

Mr. Nagel then made a motion to amend the plan to require masks for the first nine weeks of school. Again, that motion failed by the same 4-4 vote.

Nearly three hours of public comment preceded the board’s discussion.

“Freedom does not equal a free-for-all,” said resident Matt Hindman. “Personal choice is fine when it just affects your person, but this choice affects everyone around you,” he said, adding that not wearing masks will “lead to increased spread. Increased spread is increased disruption to our children’s normal school life.”

Karen Hoskinson, who has a first-grader, said she was concerned about the delta variant.

“Now that this new variant is more spreadable, what was the rationale behind making [masks] optional in schools?” asked Ms. Hoskinson. She said making masks a requirement would help to protect children, especially those who have immunocompromised family members.

“This isn’t political,” said Amy Agostoni. “My mask protects you and your mask protects me. It’s been made very clear if we wear masks in school they can be in school. It’s a small sacrifice.”

Ian Philips said wearing masks should be up to the parents to decide.

“We’ve had 18 months of this [pandemic] to learn. We do not need politicians or board members to make health care decisions,” Mr. Philips said. “Please leave masks, health and safety to the parents’ decision.”

“I feel the decision should be made by the parents,” said Diana Mancini. She suggested tthe board hold a session where parents can come in and vote on whether they want masks as a requirement or an option.

Todd Anderson said, “We know what’s best for our children. Give us an option.” He added that if masks were mandated, his children would not want to go to school.