High Schoolers Can Unmask Starting March 7 In West Morris Regional H.S. District

MENDHAM, NJ — The policy requiring masks within the West Morris Regional High School District is expected to end at the same time as Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 251 on March 7, according to the district’s superintendent.

Superintendent Michael Ben-David confirmed in an email to Patch on Tuesday that beginning March 7, masks will be optional for all students and staff.

Murphy announced on Monday that he plans to lift the mask mandate for all public schools statewide on March 7. The governor shifted the decision-making for masks to the school district level.

At West Morris Regional School District’s Board of Education meeting on Monday night, the board's agenda introduced for first reading a policy revision for face coverings.

Ben-David, however, said that the Board of Education does not need to take action on the policy, which “ceases to be in effect when Executive Order 251 expires.”

The school district’s current face covering policy, adopted on Oct. 11, also specified the requirement ends with Murphy’s executive order.

Prior to Executive Order 251, which Murphy signed on Aug. 9, Ben-David told Patch in July the district was then waiting on next steps and guidance from the state, whether or not to move forward with a mask-optional district.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.