Despite Pushback, Sumner-Bonney Lake Schools Will Require Masks

SUMNER, WA — The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District is bracing for pushback against the state's mandate that schools enforce masking and social distancing guidelines.

Earlier this week, Gov. Jay Inslee held a news conference to discuss masking, during which he reiterated that the state would be legally requiring schools to enforce mask use in students and staff.

While many parents from across the state have aired their grievances over the continued mask mandate, the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District has received a notable amount of flack, with some parents routinely attending school district meetings to demand that the mask requirements be removed.

In an apparent effort to avoid reigniting that conflict, the district has issued a letter to parents clearly explaining that the masking decision is out of its hands.

It reads, in part:

"We look forward to welcoming students back in the fall for full-time in-person learning five days a week. [Wednesday], Gov. Inslee continued to prioritize in-person learning by announcing that all students, staff and visitors (vaccinated and unvaccinated) in Washington state K-12 schools are legally required to wear face masks indoors due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Please note, this masking decision is not a choice being left to local school boards; it’s a state mandate. Gov. Inslee said that he will continue to re-evaluate this mask requirement in the coming weeks and months."

The letter goes on to explain that all students will be required to wear masks while indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. Teachers will also be asked to enforce a safe social distance of three feet between students.

Finally, the district also stresses that vaccines are not required for students or school staff.

"The District continues its pledge to keep families informed, communicating what we know, when we know it. We anticipate receiving information about extra- and co-curricular requirements in early August."

Related: All Washingtonians Should Mask Up Again, Inslee Recommends