(Updated January 27, 2021)
Dear Catskill CSD Families,
Please be reminded that all students, staff, and visitors are required to wear a mask while in our schools. NYS has appealed the January 24, 2022 decision by a New York State Judge in Nassau County, who ruled against the Governor’s authority to enact a state-wide mask mandate. On January 25, an appellate court judge issued a temporary order that keeps the state’s mask mandate in place until the appellate division rules on the issue. This temporarily blocks the lower court decision and the state mandate requiring masks to be worn in schools remains in effect until the Appellate Division hears and makes a determination on the pending motion. At this time, it is unknown when a decision will be issued.
The following is a statement NYSED issued to schools on January 24 in response to the initial ruling:
“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.”
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. As always, we will continue to keep you informed about any changes to our COVID-19 protocols should they happen.
Regards,
Dr. Ronel Cook
Superintendent of Schools
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