Berkeley BOE Calls On Governor To Rescind Mask Mandate In Schools

BERKELEY, NJ – The Berkeley Township Board of Education is calling on Governor Phil Murphy to rescind the new mask mandate for schools, arguing that local districts should have the authority to decide whether masks need to be optional or mandatory.

In a letter sent to Murphy's office on Monday, the Board of Education said the state policy regarding students and staff wearing masks at school — both indoors and outdoors — should be responsibly re-evaluated if data continues to trend in a positive direction.

Murphy announced two weeks ago that all students, educators, staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks indoors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Executive Order 251 mandates masking in the indoor premises of all public, private, and parochial preschool, elementary, and secondary school buildings, with limited exceptions.

“We support a consideration for masks to be left to the local school district administration, as long as data continues to trend in a positive direction,” the board wrote in the letter. “As we are familiar with our community, our buildings, and what has been effective in limiting the spread, the State should resume its policy of deference to local officials to do what is right for their schools.”

The Berkeley Township School District has four elementary schools.

“As a result of Executive Order 251, local authority has been diminished,” the board wrote. “Therefore, we urge you to rescind Executive Order 251 and resume a policy that allows the local communities to determine what is appropriate for them.”

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