Charleston County School Board votes to require masks for students and staff inside school facilities

CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) – Masks will be required for students and staff at school facilities in Charleston County until October 15. On Monday night, the school board voted 8-1 on the motion that requires masks for public schools for at least 60 days.

Board member Cindy Bohn Coats voted no on the issue and said it would be difficult to enforce the mandate.

“We have a mask requirement in place at the start of the school year for the next 60 days so that we cannot become a super spreader in our school, and have safety measures in place for our teachers and staff. , and visitors entering our buildings, ”School Board President Reverend Eric Mack said after the vote.

According to Mack, Monday night’s vote is the result of a discussion during the executive session with medical and legal advice as well as moving forward “with the best course of action” the board can take. .

“I understand that there are a number of parents who are not in favor of the mask, but we have a responsibility to make sure all of our staff and students are safe at the start of the school year,” said Mack said.

The General Assembly passed a budget provision prohibiting school districts from requiring students and teachers to wear masks.

Educators, lawmakers, doctors and parents write letters, sign petitions and show up for meetings to express concern over the lack of mask warrants in South Carolina public schools. However, Governor Henry McMaster says what many are asking him to do is not in his power.

“The law is the law, we have to be careful, we have to be smart, but parents know what’s best for children,” McMaster said Monday. “Under state law, the school district cannot enforce such a warrant.”

McMaster’s says it does not have the power to suspend provision 1.108, which was passed in June when lawmakers passed the state budget.

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