Smithtown Parents Ask Board For Choice On Masks In School: Report

SMITHTOWN, NY — Parents called on the Smithtown school board at a meeting on Tuesday to say "no" to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's directive that students need to still wear masks inside schools, Newsday reported.

In a letter to parents on Monday, Superintendent Mark Secaur said masks will no longer be required when outside, and that due to the heat in June, teachers will be able to offer students frequent mask breaks. Secaur also criticized the state for a miscommunication where it was reported last Friday that the mask mandate would be lifted Monday.

"I can assure you that I share your frustration with the poor communication that took place at the state level," Secaur said. "As I signaled on Friday, we are prepared to respect a parent's choice on masks once we feel we have the power to do so. While I am aware of a few districts who have defied the state mask requirement, the vast majority of districts see this requirement for the mandate that it is."

One parent told the school board that forcing children to wear masks in school is like child abuse, Newsday reported. Secaur told the crowd that consequences would arise if the district crossed Cuomo's Office and Albany.

"We are in jeopardy of losing state aid, being fined and, frankly, closing schools," he said, according to Newsday.