The debate over masks is lingering in Lebanon.With many kids in quarantine, the district considered changing safety strategies on Wednesday.But after hours of taking public comment, the decision was "no decision."The school board tabled the vote after a meeting of more than three hours.It was an emotional meeting.People knew their stance and they made it abundantly clear.Parents flooded the central office for Lebanon City Schools.The temperature of the room was hot and the discussion was even hotter.They came expecting a mask mandate vote by school board members.Some people were against masks."Leave the decision to the parents. If it is mandated, there is no endgame and this will go forever," parent Christy Sanders said.Other parents also agreed with Sanders."We're saying stay the course. Give parents the option. Let them decide what they want to do with their children," parent Mike Cope said.Fewer people appeared to be for masks or mandates."There's homecoming, prom, choir concerts, musicals. All of these can be taken away if the schools get shut down for not wearing masks," student Alicia Smith said.A woman who works in health care also spoke out in favor of masks."I just think it's probably the thing to do right now. I wish we could just kind of follow the numbers and, as they go down, then take the masks off," she said.According to data from the district on Wednesday, 49 students have tested positive for COVID-19, with two breakthrough cases.It said 17 students are waiting on test results and 536 students have been identified as close contacts and are in quarantine.The data provided by the school district showed 52 students who are vaccinated or who were masked won't miss class.But a big issue became abundantly clear after looking closer.Quarantines, parents and even school board members said, are extensive in comparison to positive cases.School board members decided to table the vote until they can figure out if they must follow the quarantine protocols set forth by Warren County Health officials."The quarantine has got to stop. There are counties in Ohio that are not doing it. We can stop doing it," parent Holly Bates said.The district made it clear that it is not mandating vaccinations.Some parents said under their breath, and some quite loudly, "for now."It's not yet clear when the board will meet again to discuss the issue.Board members said the superintendent will consult with the district's attorney for better guidance.
The debate over masks is lingering in Lebanon.
With many kids in quarantine, the district considered changing safety strategies on Wednesday.
But after hours of taking public comment, the decision was "no decision."
The school board tabled the vote after a meeting of more than three hours.
It was an emotional meeting.
People knew their stance and they made it abundantly clear.
Parents flooded the central office for Lebanon City Schools.
The temperature of the room was hot and the discussion was even hotter.
They came expecting a mask mandate vote by school board members.
Some people were against masks.
"Leave the decision to the parents. If it is mandated, there is no endgame and this will go forever," parent Christy Sanders said.
Other parents also agreed with Sanders.
"We're saying stay the course. Give parents the option. Let them decide what they want to do with their children," parent Mike Cope said.
Fewer people appeared to be for masks or mandates.
"There's homecoming, prom, choir concerts, musicals. All of these can be taken away if the schools get shut down for not wearing masks," student Alicia Smith said.
A woman who works in health care also spoke out in favor of masks.
"I just think it's probably the thing to do right now. I wish we could just kind of follow the numbers and, as they go down, then take the masks off," she said.
According to data from the district on Wednesday, 49 students have tested positive for COVID-19, with two breakthrough cases.
It said 17 students are waiting on test results and 536 students have been identified as close contacts and are in quarantine.
The data provided by the school district showed 52 students who are vaccinated or who were masked won't miss class.
But a big issue became abundantly clear after looking closer.
Quarantines, parents and even school board members said, are extensive in comparison to positive cases.
School board members decided to table the vote until they can figure out if they must follow the quarantine protocols set forth by Warren County Health officials.
"The quarantine has got to stop. There are counties in Ohio that are not doing it. We can stop doing it," parent Holly Bates said.
The district made it clear that it is not mandating vaccinations.
Some parents said under their breath, and some quite loudly, "for now."
It's not yet clear when the board will meet again to discuss the issue.
Board members said the superintendent will consult with the district's attorney for better guidance.
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