Carroll school district keeps mask mandate in place for now, but discussions continue
The Carroll school district is keeping its mask mandate in place, but changes could be made in the future.
On Monday night, the school board met virtually to hear recommendations from the district’s COVID-19 response team.
The team urged trustees to keep the mask mandate in place since members believe the current safety protocols are working to keep down the spread of the coronavirus.
Superintendent Lane Ledbetter said, “We strongly feel that we need to continue with our protocols. There were comments that there were low percentages but that’s because safety measures.”
“I don’t think it would be prudent to change what we are doing just to do away with masks at this time,” he said.
The district also formed a partnership with a Southlake physician and Methodist Southlake Hospital to vaccinate teachers which could start as soon as Wednesday.
People in the audience weighed in on their views about the school district keeping the mask mandate in place.
Mary Tamargo said she doesn’t believe the mask mandate is necessary.
“Please stop forcing our children to wear masks. Let our teachers teach and not be mask monitors,” Tamargo said.
Bob Johnson said he opposes Carroll ISD requirement for children to wear masks on district property.
But another speaker, Joseph Malangoni, said he favors wearing masks.
“Let’s think of our teachers and not ourselves when we talk about the mask mandate. Their self-sacrifice needs to be recognized. Our teachers teach best when they are in the classroom and not when they are out sick.”
This story was originally published March 8, 2021 at 10:45 PM.