Hampton Roads parents, teachers turn to school boards after Youngkin’s masking order — but few decisions so far

The years-long argument over masks in schools has entered a new phase, and the battle lines already are being drawn — with Virginia school boards in the middle.

On one side is new Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the many voters swayed by his campaign promise to eliminate mask mandates even as the latest surge of COVID-19 continues. On the other are those — including teachers associations — who believe masks remain an important part of fighting the coronavirus as case numbers climb.

On his first day in office, Youngkin issued an order that says mask mandates have been ineffective and parents alone should decide whether their children should wear face coverings in school. So far, several Virginia school systems, citing the standing advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a state law, announced they would defy it. The order is to go into effect Jan. 24, and several of the governor’ allies have said those school systems could face penalties.

In Hampton Roads, the order prompted a flurry of activity — but few decisions.

Four area school boards scheduled a special meeting this week to discuss the issue — bringing forward concerned educators, along with parents on both sides of the debate.

“It’s unfortunate the governor’s order created a lot of confusion around what the current law states in the context of what it is,” Newport News School Board Chairman Douglas Brown said.

Some divisions, such as Norfolk and Hampton, said officials are waiting for guidance from the Virginia Department of Education, which did not respond to requests for comment. The Poquoson School Board voted Tuesday night to lift its mandate.

Several teachers and parents spoke during the public comment portion of Newport News’ regular meeting Tuesday — 12 people pleaded with board members to keep its mask mandate, including Conor Collins, a Warwick High School social studies teacher.

Collins submitted a petition with roughly 150 signatures asking members to abide by state law that requires students to be in-person five days a week and follow mitigation strategies from the CDC “to the maximum extent practicable.” If masking becomes optional, Collins said, he worries about staffing issues schools could face, along with higher transmission rates.

“It’s impossible for us — at least in Newport News — to provide 6 feet distance in our classrooms that are 20 plus students at least at the secondary (level),” Collins said during a phone interview before the meeting. One of his classes has 29 students, but because they all wear masks, he said they’re able to safely meet. “When you send your child to a public school, it’s a school that is for the public community.”

Mark Bear has three children attending Newport News Public Schools. He told board members Tuesday he opposed mandatory masking and said although he respects anyone’s choice to wear a mask or get vaccinated, he doesn’t believe their choices should be forced on everyone.

“I think you should allow these kids to be kids and have the same freedoms we have,” he said, siding with three additional people spoke out against masking requirements.

During an interview, Brown said parents and teachers should expect an update Friday from Superintendent George Parker III.

Although every person spoke about the order during public comment, school officials did not address any plans during the Tuesday meeting. Other school districts redirected inquiries about its next steps to previous communication sent to parents and pending guidance from VDOE.

In Williamsburg-James City County, the school district’s health advisory team suggested it should have a multi-layered mitigation strategy to slow transmission — remaining socially distant, masking, practice safe hand hygiene, getting a vaccine, among others.

One of the advisory team members said cases could peak in the upcoming week, but once community transmission rates are low, the district could revisit plans to remove masks.

Meanwhile, new state Attorney General Jason Miyares has threatened to initiate legal action action against recalcitrant school districts. Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears said on Fox News that the state could opt to withhold funding from them.

According to VDOE’s website, the department distributes state funding, which is approved by the General Assembly, to divisions across the commonwealth. Districts also receive federal and local funding each school year.

The executive order aims to uphold state code that says “a parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.” The same law has been cited by parents in recent months alleging improper and controversial ideas are being taught, such as critical race theory.

The order also states that VDOE’s Acting Superintendent Rosa Atkins will need to issue new guidance for K-12 schools to align with the policy.

“When you put your child into public school there has to be some sort of standard,” Sarah Bickings, who has a fifth-grader in Newport News schools, said she hopes the district will keep its mask mandate. “Even if there is concern about the legality, (I hope) it remains in place until the courts can decide does the executive order match the law.”

Still, statewide organizations including the the Virginia Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics released statements citing the importance of masking in schools.

After a fifth wave in cases following the holidays, the Virginia Parent Teacher Association said schools are still dealing with staffing challenges that have impacted the quality of students’ learning experience and absentee rates due to quarantining.

“Maintaining the safe functioning of preK-12 schools and high academic standards for all students should be the first priority of every school division” the Virginia PTA said in a statement supporting mask requirements.

Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News and Portsmouth had regular meetings scheduled this week. But Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Isle of Wight County board members will have separate special meetings Thursday to discuss the governor’s order. Williamsburg-James City County will hold a special meeting Friday to finalize its decision.

Staff writer Em Holter contributed reporting to this story.

Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com