Wall Superintendent Discuss Board's Lack Of Power Under Mandate

WALL, NJ – The Wall Township Board of Education held a special, virtual-only meeting on Tuesday night, during which board members spoke about the mask mandate and the frustration that it is causing the community.

The meeting took place after the previous meeting on Aug.11 was postponed after a group of parents refused to wear masks, as there was no notification before the meeting stating that masks needed to be worn.

Superintendent of Schools Tracy Handerhan spoke during the Zoom meeting about the divisiveness of the masks in schools issue and how the governor’s executive order handcuff school boards.

“This issue is clearly a polarizing one nationwide. It is clearly a complex and divisive issue in Wall Township,” Handerhan said.

“For the past few months, individuals who do not want masking in the schools have been quite vocal. Mask wearing is a necessary tool to keep our students in school full-time.”

Handerhan noted that she has been in touch with local and state health officials throughout the summer. Over the past three weeks, Wall Township has seen a notable uptick in COVID-19 cases, including pediatric cases, according to Handerhan.

“As a superintendent of schools, I am obligated to hold up the law, including executive orders,” Handerhan said.

“Willfully disobeying executive orders jeopardizes the operation of this school district, your school district. (The potential ) loss of state funding, revocation of educational certificates, and potential arrests of school personnel hurt this school district and, most importantly, the children of Wall Township.”