Masking takes center stage at DCS board meeting, mandate continues
On Monday, February 7, the Davidson County Schools (DCS) Board of Education (BOE) held its regularly scheduled meeting for the month in person at Stoner-Thomas School and also provided a Vimeo link for virtual viewing.
Per the agenda, topics would address Davidson County Health Department’s COVID-19 updates, concerns and requests regarding human resources, finance, curriculum and instructional needs. The superintendent's COVID-19 updates and the board to revisit the mandated mask decision were discussed as well.
Chairman Alan Beck opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Davidson County Health Director Lillian Koontz, although unable to attend in person, supplied the board with COVID-19 updates for Davidson County. Koontz advised that Davidson County currently has a positivity test rate of 35.9 percent. She explained that 86,091 people, or 51 percent of Davidson County citizens, have had at least one dose of the vaccine.
Keri Johnston, executive assistant to Superintendent Dr. Emily Lipe, issued a statement prior to the meeting for those planning to attend. “Please be aware that face masks are mandatory for all meeting attendees regardless of vaccination status. If you cannot wear a face mask for medical reasons, please be prepared to provide a copy of documentation verifying the exemption that may be retained or a photocopy made for purposes of the meeting. As an alternative, a livestream of the meeting will be provided. Those who are unable to wear a mask may submit comments for public expression to Keri Johnston at kerijohnston@davidson.k12.nc.us. Submissions must be received by noon on Monday.”
A total of five citizens, four in person and one who had emailed, addressed the board with their concerns for their allotted three minutes. Prior to their speeches, Beck explained what would and would not be tolerated and that no response would be given by the board at this time.
Concerns were expressed around the mask policy and the physical and psychological effects on children. The dissatisfaction of past virtually held BOE meetings, claims of the BOE violating 19+ laws, lack of food and nutrition provided in cafeterias and the explicit content of books still being found in the schools were additionally raised.
Robert Travers explained as a coach he understands the importance of a window of opportunity, and that window of opportunity was closing for his special needs son due to the mandated mask policy. He stated his son's speech had improved so drastically before the mandate that he no longer needed speech therapy. But now, as a result of the mask, that progress had drastically regressed due to his inability to see his teacher's mouth. He also discussed the health detriments from mask mandates. Travers' speech ran over the allotted time. Beck requested he be seated and turned off Travers’ mic. Travers continued standing and completed his speech. Failing to comply with the demands, Beck told him he needed to leave or the sheriff would be called to escort him out. Travers returned to his seat but did not leave. Approximately 30 minutes later, a sheriff arrived and escorted Travers from the building.
Matt Alspaugh demanded the board’s accountability for the mental and social harm caused by masks, for holding an unlawful BOE meeting in December barring the public and statements provided to parents via automated phone call by Lipe regarding quarantine time periods.
Polly Leonard insisted she receive nine instead of three minutes to speak, since she was unable to address them at the past two meetings. She raised attention to the fact books with adult content still remain in schools, the lack of food provided by the cafeterias, exclaimed the board was in violation of more than 19 laws and demanded board members to resign.
John Yokeum, an optometrist and biochemist from NC State, discussed the ineffectiveness of masks. “Masks are leaky, you know this if you wear glasses.” He opined that all masks are meant to only be worn once, and masks hold more bacteria than a toilet seat. He concluded by saying the psychological effects are heartbreaking and is praying for BOE members and hopes they will repent.
Paul Piatkowski’s emailed statement was read aloud declaring his appreciation for the board and he encouraged the continuation of mask mandates.
Board member Neil Motsinger addressed the transportation department to give everyone clarity on their guidelines and routine when making decisions for school delays and closings. It was explained that the transportation team and route specialists begin riding around at 3:30 a.m., checking roads, taking photos, checking road temperatures and connecting with local weather centers and emergency services for information on road conditions, as well as collaborating with surrounding areas. Board members offered their appreciation to the transportation workers whose work is seldom acknowledged and often critiqued.
The motion for February 21 to be an instructional day, as a makeup day for inclement weather, was voted upon and approved.
After a brief closed session, Lipe shared her updates and discussed COVID-19 data. Board members reiterated the importance and the goal to keep students in school face to face. Board members voted, and with a 4-1 vote, decided to keep masks mandate policy at this time. BOE member Christy Jones, as in the past meeting, was the one member to vote against the mask mandate. The board's decision will be revisited next month.
The next DCS board meeting is scheduled for March 7, 6:30 p.m. at Stoner-Thomas School.
