Wood BOE sets Friday vote for mask mandate
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PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Schools Board of Education heard from the Mayor of Williamstown on updates of the former elementary building and property.
The board also approved the addition of a special board meeting later this week on the discussion of a mask mandate during its regular meeting on Tuesday evening.
The West Virginia Department of Education and state Board of Education announced last Wednesday that they will leave it up to local counties' school boards when it comes to having a mask mandate.
Already having discussions for the creation of a special board meeting for personnel and contracts for Friday at 9 a.m., it was then Board Member Judy Johnson recommended that discussion on the mask issue should take place as well. The rest of the board members approved the motion unanimously.
"I hope before Friday, we can all do our own research. Sure there are some people who disagree, but this is a group, this isn't one person speaking," Johnson said. "I hope we can have a good discussion and come to a conclusion that will benefit all of us."
The board also heard public comments on the matter, three out of the five speakers wished for a mask mandate for the start of the school year on Aug. 19.
Frederick Jesser stated that students, especially those 12 and under, are at the most risk due to not having a vaccine available to them.
"I'm asking Wood County Schools to be on the forefront in our state to implement a school-wide mask mandate for the beginning of the school year," Jesser said. "In order to protect our vulnerable children who have no vaccination choice. If we wait to make this decision once numbers rise, it can potentially be too late for our students."
Two speakers weren't in favor of enforcing a mask mandate.
"We're not anti-masks, we're not anti-vaccine. It just doesn't work. There are some things in life that we would love to have work. If it makes you feel good, have your child wear a mask. There is no rule that prevents your child from wearing masks," Isidro Amigo said.
The board received an update from Williamstown Mayor Paul Jordan that the city is in the "final hurdle" of dealing with the former Williamstown Elementary School's building and property.
Jordan said there was originally some discussion about keeping some of the classrooms, but found out, in the end, it wasn't going to be cost-efficient. The only two buildings that will still be standing will be the gymnasium and the cafeteria. Jordan said he would like the gym to be turned into an emergency shelter, an activity center for senior residents, and a library.
The board will vote on the former Williamstown Elementary matter at the next meeting on Aug. 24.