Locust Valley School District Masks Up For First Day Of Classes

LOCUST VALLEY, NY — Students in the Locust Valley School District wore face coverings on their first day of school Wednesday, complying with the state's mask mandate for in-person learning.

The move comes days after the district's Board of Education received a threatening letter from the New York State Education Commissioner.

In her letter, Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said: "It is my expectation that the Board will set an example for its students by following the law. If not, however, you have been fairly warned of the potential consequences."

Those potential consequences, Rosa said, include withholding state aid for the district and the removal of school board members.

At a school board meeting on Monday, a lawyer for the district's Board of Education said school leaders should comply with the state's mandate since it "carries with it the force of law."