Downloadable pdf of Parent Letter 1-25-22

January 25, 2022

Dear Hornet Parents:

You may be aware of developments at the State level regarding the mask mandate for schools. In light of a recent judicial decision, the State Education Department has issued the following statement:

The State Education Department understands that Nassau County Supreme Court has ruled that the Department of Health exceeded its authority in enacting the mask regulation, 10 NYCRR 2.60, in Demetriou et al. v. New York State Dep’t of Health et al. This regulation is the subject of conflicting decisions, insofar as Albany County Supreme Court recently upheld the regulation in Massapequa UFSD et al. v. Hochul, et al.

It is SED’s understanding that the Department of Health will appeal the Nassau County Supreme Court decision, which will result in an automatic stay that will unambiguously restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court issues a further ruling. Therefore, schools must continue to follow the mask rule.

Either last night or earlier this morning, the appeal referenced above was indeed filed by the Governor and the NYSDOH, and those parties are awaiting confirmation that the promised stay is in effect. Per the continued direction of the State Education Department, and as has been both our longstanding practice, students, faculty/staff, and visitors must continue to wear masks while indoors at school. To that end, I will repeat my great thanks for your adherence to these protocols. Mask compliance in our district has been exceptional, and I believe that these efforts are reflected in our envious track record of open school and in-person instruction.

Sincerely,
Jay Lebrun
Superintendent of Schools