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State Board of Education 'Implores' Districts to Require Masks But Avoids Mandate of Its Own

Roland Leach
/
U.S. Air Force

Despite a push in the last week by a coalition of groups, the Oklahoma State Board of Education on Thursday declined to implement a statewide school mask requirement.

The board instead passed a resolution that "implores" districts to require students and staff wear masks as COVID numbers in the state rise and districts struggle to keep schools open.

Board member Brian Bobek said there's effectively no change from their last action on the matter in July, when a proposed mask requirement was reduced to a recommendation on a 4–3 vote.

"It’s still up to these individual communities to find out what’s best for them. We’re leaving that freedom with them, but we’re just putting some focus and spotlight on it," Bobek said.

Several board members agreed while the pandemic has become dire, local control remains an important tenet in Oklahoma education.

"We do need everyone in the state to take this incredibly seriously, and we trust that local communities know how to do what’s best for their kids in their districts," said board member Jennifer Monies.

Board member Estela Hernandez added a mask requirement would be too difficult to enforce.

"It’s encouraged, highly recommended, but how are we going to force individuals or districts to make sure that they mask up? I mean, other than we’re going to challenge your accreditation if you don’t? I think that’s troubling," Hernandez said.

Last week, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Oklahoma Education Association and other groups formed a coalition to push the state board for a mask requirement. It’s estimated one in five districts has no mask policy.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.
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