Parents Ask Sumner-Bonney Lake Schools To Ditch Mask Mandate

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Some parents are upset that the Sumner-Bonney Lake School district is keeping its mask mandate for when students return in the fall.

As KOMO news first reported, earlier this week the district held its first in-person board meeting since the pandemic began — and a number of parents showed up to make their frustrations with the mandate known.

"I don't want to be told to put a mask on my child and you don't want to be told to take a mask off your child," said Tera Green, who told KOMO she has two children in the district. "So let's meet in the middle and everyone decides for themselves what's best for their situation."

Several other parents shared similar issues, saying the mandate was overly cautious or invasive.

Of course, not all parents want to see the mandate repealed. One took to Facebook to thank the district, saying she appreciated the district's continued implementation of masks as a way to reduce the spread of COVID.

Regardless of how parents feel about it, it appears the mandate is here to stay. In a statement posted to the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District's website, the district says their hands are tied by state regulations:

"You may be aware that the CDC has updated its guidance on face coverings for people who are vaccinated. Per the state Department of Health, there has been no change to the mask requirement for schools in Washington. All staff, students and visitors are still required to wear masks in schools and school district worksites."

Related: Inslee Signs Emergency Proclamation Bringing Back In-Person Class