Oregon: Alsea School District loses funding after dropping mask requirements

The Oregon Department of Education explained this decision violates state regulations requiring masks in schools
https://archive.vn/2Kn1F
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Alsea School District is losing federal funding after the school board voted to do away with mask requirements — violating state mask regulations for schools, according to the Oregon Department of Education.

Alsea Superintendent Marc Thielman, a republican running for governor, announced on January 21, that the school board unanimously approved the resolution “which declares an ‘effective return of local Health and Safety Decision-Making’ commensurate with Governor Brown’s June 25, 2021 recovery order,” Thielman said.

The resolution makes wearing masks optional for staff, teachers and students, except while riding buses.

Thielman noted that if parent’s want their students to wear a mask, they will still be supported and the district will have zero tolerance for mask shaming.

“This means parents must decide if they wish for their child to be masked when at school, both inside or outside. If you decide that you want your child to wear a mask they will be fully supported, to include provision of masks free of charge by the Alsea School District,” Thielman explained.

Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill sent a letter to Thielman on Tuesday explaining the state will withhold federal COVID relief funding until the district puts the mask mandate back in place.