Mask Rules Change In Westfield Schools Due To Extreme Heat

WESTFIELD, NJ — After Gov. Phil Murphy said on Monday that school mask-wearing requirements include an exception for "extreme heat" — such as the 90-degree temperatures New Jersey experienced this week — some school superintendents announced that masks are optional on hot days, but how far they took the change tended to differ from community to community.

Westfield Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dolan released guidance Tuesday saying after hearing varying opinions from parents, she will still require masks for students and staff indoors, but not outside during "extreme heat."

She said that the school's ability to provide air conditioning units and other factors came into play in determining indoor requirements.

Dolan wrote to families:

<blockquote><p>

Dear Westfield Public Schools Community,
Given the rise in temperature and humidity outdoors and Governor Murphy’s comments yesterday, I want to provide clarification on masking requirements in our schools. I have heard from a number of parents with differing points of view.
While some other school districts do not have air-conditioned classrooms, we are fortunate to have worked cooperatively with our PTOs to provide AC units in our classrooms at each of our schools. For this reason, we will continue to require that all students and staff wear masks indoors in our schools.
We have relaxed our outdoor mask requirements during extreme heat. As always, our principals and teachers are proactive, providing many opportunities for students to remove their masks while making sure they remain healthy and hydrated.
The masking protocols outlined in the governor’s Executive Order No. 175 remain in place for schools, with his latest masking guidance applying specifically to periods of extreme heat. We continue to take precautions to ensure safety. We do not want students or staff to overheat. Our staff continually monitor and encourage students to take mask and water breaks frequently while outside. And, no matter the weather, students always have the freedom to take a few steps away and take a mask break.
Again, as has been the case with any decision during the past year, there are many perspectives. We continue to listen to our families, to follow the appropriate regulations, and to do our best to safeguard the health and safety of our school community in every circumstance.
</blockquote>

Other opinions, other districts

Meanwhile, nearby Cranford took it a step further. This week, Cranford Superintendent Scott Rubin said in a letter to the school community that due to heat and humidity predicted for the rest of their school year, which ends in that district next week, the mask requirement was lifted inside and out through the last day.

But some school leaders said they were confused by the rapidly changing guidance.

After Gov. Murphy Tweeted Monday evening:

The superintendent of the Millstone schools Tweeted this in response:

And a woman wrote in response, "Many students are still not vaccinated, & those under 12 are not able to be vaccinated yet. Making knee-jerk decisions regarding masking is not the appropriate response. Schools should have proper ventilation & air conditioning."

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