Update posted Jan. 26, 2022:
As promised, we are sharing the latest news about state mask protocols with our families, students and staff.
Yesterday, an appellate judge issued an order that keeps the state’s mask mandate in place at least through the end of this week pending an appeal of an earlier court decision that ruled the mask mandate unconstitutional.
The legal debate will continue at another hearing scheduled for Friday morning. In the meantime, the wearing of masks will remain mandatory in schools while this matter works its way through the court system.
This means that all staff, students and school visitors must continue to wear masks or face coverings when in our school buildings. Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our school community and we will continue to follow the COVID mitigation protocols we have in place, which includes the wearing of masks.
If any changes to our COVID mitigation protocols result from these legal proceedings, we will share that information with families and staff.
We remain committed to providing up-to-date information to our staff and our families as we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership.
Mask Rule Still in Effect
Posted: January 25, 2022
We want to make our students and families aware that yesterday a court decision in a county downstate deemed the state’s mask mandate unconstitutional. Shortly after, we received an email from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) stating it expected the Governor and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to appeal the ruling.
In the meantime, NYSED has directed school districts to continue to follow the state’s mask protocols, as per NYSDOH and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. This means that all Watervliet students and staff members must continue to wear masks when at school.
We will update you on any changes that may result pending further court action. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding.