PSD preps for change in mask mandate

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Pendleton School District surveyed parents of students regarding the state ruling that face masks would become optional no later than March 31. Superintendent Chris Fritsch said that in just a few days, over 920 parents responded representing almost 1,300 of the district’s students.

“About 94 percent said they would definitely send their kids to school if masks were optional,” he said. “When we asked them if their children would be wearing masks it was about 80-20. About 20 percent said they would want their children to continue to wear a mask.

Fritsch said the same was true with district employees.

“We ended up with about 80-20 that said they would opt not to wear a mask, with 20 percent saying they would opt to wear a mask at work,” he said.

Fritsch said the district will continue to study how the mask option will impact other areas, like cafeteria seating and other social distancing. He added that the state still has rules and guidelines it must follow regarding quarantine for exposure to COVID-19. He also added the district is trying to talk to the parents who don’t want the mask mandate to become optional, to find the best possible learning plan for their students.

“I think it’s time,” he said. “It’s time for us to move forward and see if we can get back to a more normal, whatever normal is these days, school experience.”