Lacey BOE Calls On Governor To Rescind Mask Mandate In Schools

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township Schools is the latest district in southern Ocean County urging Governor Phil Murphy to rescind the new mask mandate in schools.

In a letter sent to Murphy's office on Tuesday, Board of Education president Donna McAvoy said individual districts that are familiar with their local community and school buildings should have the authority to make decisions regarding face masks.

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.

“The District has taken steps to protect our teachers and staff by making the vaccine available for those who wanted it. We have invested significantly in PPE, infrastructure improvements, and training to return to full-day instruction,” McAvoy said. “We have shown we can keep the schools operating fully in a conscientious and safe manner through decision-making at the local level.”

The school district includes Lacey Township High School, Lacey Township Middle School, and four elementary schools — Mill Pond, Cedar Creek, Forked River and Lanoka Harbor.

“As a result of Executive Order 251, local authority has been diminished and inhibits our ability to do what is right and necessary for our community,” McAvoy said. “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.”

Related: Berkeley BOE Calls On Governor To Rescind Mask Mandate In Schools

Barnegat BOE: Local COVID Data Should Decide Mask Rules

Stafford BOE Urges Governor To Rescind School Mask Mandate

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