The Danbury Board of Education held a meeting last night and right off the bat chairman Rachel Chaleski told those gathered that they would not be discussing or voting on the future of masks in schools.  A couple of dozen people spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.  About 15 people, including some from neighboring towns, spoke out calling for masks to be optional when the state mandate ends.

Some of the speakers were students, who said they have a hard time hearing their teachers, struggle to breath during gym activities and are uncomfortable because of the ear loops.  A few of the parents speaking out last night noted that masks are not required at indoor locations elsewhere in the City so students are unmasked outside of school.  One parent suggested that staff not kids be masked if there's a concern about COVID-19 transmission, based on the age of people impacted by the virus.

The state mandate is expected to be lifted on Monday, and then the decision on whether or not to require masks will be up to local Boards of Ed.  The state Departments of Education and Public Health issued guidance last week for local Boards to consider when deciding on whether or not to continuing requiring masks in schools when the state mandate expires.