By Emma Parker
Broward County parents have said to become wary with the school year starting in one week and no final decision from the county of a mask mandate.
“I am not too concerned for my two oldest children, who are vaccinated, it is my youngest that I am concerned about,” Anna Kostrub said.
Broward County school officials announced on July 29th that they were mandating that masks were required for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. The announcement from the U.S. Center of Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) issued new guidance that all K-12 children wear a mask during school, because of the recent rise in Covid cases within the state of Florida.
It wasn’t until Governor Ron DeSantis announced his executive order that required all Florida schools be mask optional, and threatened to withhold state funding to any school district that does not comply with such a mandate.
“I think we need to error on the side of being as cautious as possible,” Superintendent Robert Runcie said.
Palm Beach County announced its decision to mandate masks throughout the entire school system three days prior to the start of school. The county worked with the Department of Education and DeSantis to offer an option for students’ parents or guardians to opt-out of the mask mandate by writing to the school and informing them of their decision. Teachers and staff are not allowed to opt-out of the mask mandate.
“With the recent rise of covid cases, especially in Broward county, I would feel more comfortable if everyone wore masks”, said student Antonio Saladrigas.
Students and parents alike say they are concerned about the following school year as it is full of many unknowns and potential problems.
“I really didn’t do much last year and I miss seeing my friends,” eighth grader Brooke Yuknus said. “Even if I am not totally thrilled for the work, masks or no masks, I just want to get off my computer and out of my room.”
Parents have shared concern for their children who are not old enough to get the vaccine yet.
“With my youngest going into third grade, I just want to know that the school is doing everything they can to protect her and her classmates,” Kostrub said. “I want her to go to school for the social and emotional benefits, I just don’t want her health to be put at risk because of it.”
The Broward School Board will meet again August 11th to review the recent research in order to make their final decision before school starts on August 18th.