Forty people signed up for public comment.
Some yielded their allotted minutes for others to speak. In the end those who did speak, approximately 30, at the Tomah School Board meeting Tuesday night got their wish. The school board opted to continue with the district policy for optional face masks. The motion also includes a variation of the 14-day quarantine that was proposed.
The board voted 7-0 for the optional mask/quarantine motion. Quarantine requirements for students to return to class:
Option one: If unable to fulfill a 14-day quarantine period, remain at home for 10 days and monitor your symptoms for 14 days. Students may return to school and resume normal activities on (day 11). The student must wear a mask through day 14.
Option two: Quarantine can end prior to 14 days with a negative FDA approved test (either PCR or Antigen test) taken on either (day six) or (day seven). If a student tests negative, they can return to school and resume normal activities on (day 8). The student must wear a mask through day 14.
Tuesday night was less contentious than a Sept. 7 board academy meeting when the mask mandate was first proposed by Dr. Mike Hanson due to concern over the increased arc of positive Covid cases in the district since the start of the school year.
The THS gym, filled to near capacity earlier this month, had a smaller crowd Tuesday, but equally assertive about their opposition to a mask mandate. The public was given two hours with the exception of two speakers. Following public comment several board members had shared sentiment for Hanson and Monroe County Health Officer Tiffany Giesler, who was in attendance.
Hanson did not recommend that Tomah follow the direction of several local school districts mentioned during discussion that followed the path to make masks optional. Hanson called that choice a "high liability risk." Regarding that risk there were several comments from the crowd asking to provide a waiver for parents to sign to release the district from liability if it chooses to ignore preferred Covid mitigation.
Giesler said school districts have the option of not following federal and state guidelines set for Covid mitigation but added that decision be discussed with respective legal representation. Giesler said as the county health officer she is tasked with balancing community health with public education.
Giesler told the board the Tomah district is doing a good job with Covid mitigation. Something board member Sue Bloom feels should be taken into account.
"I feel we are doing exceptionally well," Bloom said. "Our case numbers are much lower. I was (elected) to this board to help students achieve an education."
While recognizing Covid's presence in the district, board members expressed frustration that was voiced by the public.
"We have to get the kids back in school," said Rick Murray. "Something has to give. We can't keep taking students out of school for a minimal risk."
At the Sept. 7 meeting Murray inquired about the status of a quick Covid test to determine if students or staff are positive. Murray posed the question Tuesday night. Hanson said the district contacted a private vendor who is working with over 400 schools to provide "rapid testing," but that is still three to five weeks away from being available.
Spencer Stephens said, "Our kids have suffered. We need to get our kids back in school."
Stephens asked why so many students are taken out of school merely because of possible contact with such a minimal number of positive cases (as of the latest figures on the district web site).
"What can we do for some latitude? Who do we talk to," he asked Giesler.
Mike Gnewikow insisted the district revisit its quarantine policy.
"Quarantining is absurd," Gnewikow said. "If (a student) is exposed and not showing symptoms why do they need to wear a mask?"
Public comment followed the same path as Sept. 7.
Brian Humphrey was brief in his remarks. He asked supporters of the mask option to stand. All but a few people in the gym stood in support of a mask option.
Dr. Matthew McNally stressed the increase mental health issues regarding face masks, adding health professionals should put more focus on teen drug use and suicide.
Noel Tiarks stressed she is not against face masks. She opposes not having the choice to make her own decision.
Amy Franks is a school district employee.
"Let parents make the choice," Franks said. "Set an example to the community. I believe there is a compromise. Let families make the choice with the vaccine and masks."
Cass Shell is a former district employee (bus driver) who was let go last school year because he refused to wear a face mask.
"If you are going to mask children, why not mask teachers? Why not mask coaches? This is insanity," Schell said.
Jenny Kilpatrick was one of two who supported a mask mandate. The other was Tomah physician Dr. Robb Kline.
"Don't listen to the loudest," Kilpatrick said. "Listen to medical expertise."
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