ISD361 school board votes in Mask Requirement.

The ISD361 school board met in special session on Tuesday evening at the Falls High School cafeteria to allow public comment on the mask mandate voted on at the August 3rd meeting.
George Hnatiuk was the first to speak during the public comment period and voiced his approval for wearing masks.

Courtney Friend spoke next and she voiced her displeasure with the survey that the school district provided last week.

The public comment period lasted around 25 minutes and then the school board had their opportunity to voice their opinions.  Board member Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch asked how would you feel if even one person died.

Board member Joann Smith received applause from those opposed to the mask mandate with the following statement.

After nearly 80 minutes of comments, a motion  to require universal masking of all students (Prek – grade 12), staff and visitors in district buildings (other than those with a medical or religious exemption) effective immediately.   The vote was 5-1 in favor of the motion with Joann Smith voting against the motion and Jenn Windels not in attendance.