Blue Valley school board upholds district’s mask mandate

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The Blue Valley school board voted Thursday to uphold the district’s mask mandate.”I don’t want things to change, to be almost there and something not great happen to any group, whether it’s a full class, a classroom, or a school,” said Tom Mitchell, Blue Valley school board member.The school board’s 7-0 decision to keep the district’s mask mandate came after listening to parents who challenged the requirement. The board said the parents’ challenges didn’t have standing and were not submitted in a timely matter under new state law.”I don’t want anyone to think we’re being insensitive to some of the kids that are struggling with masks,” said Mike Seitz, Blue Valley school board member.Board members made it clear that their decision Thursday isn’t neglecting the needs of students or parents in the district, but to keep kids safe and in school.”I think we do have an obligation on a basic level to make sure that the policy we create and endorse is for the best of all,” Seitz said.The school district held a virtual hearing Wednesday about its mask policy in accordance with Kansas Senate Bill 40, which gives people the ability to petition school boards to complain about the safety protocols.An in-person hearing was canceled on Tuesday when one of the attendees refused to wear a mask.If parents aren’t satisfied with the school board’s decision, they have the option to sue in district court.