FLEMING ISLAND – Parents from both sides of the COVID-19 mask aisle spoke out at the Aug. 5 school board meeting.

The school board, however, didn’t rule in anybody’s favor. That’s because the question of whether students would be mandated to wear masks already was decided by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The school repeated the message its hands are essentially tied since DeSantis issued an order restricting any mandates if a district wants to collect state funds.

“We always do what we always do in Clay County: we work together,” Superintendent David Broskie said. “We’re going to do our best together because that’s what we owe our students.”

The longest part of last week’s school board meeting was the public comment section as multiple residents in Clay County talked about masks. The first person asked the board to change the policy to mandate masks. She said the mandate used last year is a reason the school year was so successful in Clay County.

“There’s an alarming increase [in children in hospitals with COVID-19],” she said. “Can you look them in the eye and carry that responsibility because this is in your power. This is preventable. Masks are proven.”

She said the school board shouldn’t fear the governor’s order because she thinks it won’t hold up in court. She also said that the legislature already approved school funding in Florida so DeSantis wouldn’t be able to stop the funding.

Another woman asked the board to keep masks optional. She said she kept her 5-year-old out of Pre-K last year because he has a speaking-related learning challenge and if his teachers and classmates were wearing masks, he wouldn’t be able to learn how he’s supposed to learn. She also said 5-year-olds and other younger children can’t be expected to wear masks on their faces properly all day.

“Nobody has the right to tell me what is best for [my] child,” she said. “You mask your child, if you want, and keep them home, if you want, but you will not tell me what I’ll do with mine.”

Another speaker specifically called out DeSantis, citing that he’s the school board’s current bully.

“This is the most important thing to understand: you stand as a school board and say, ‘we don’t put up with bullies,’” she said. “You have the biggest bully staring and dressing you down saying, ‘if you don’t do this, we’ll take your funding.’ Stand up to this bully.”

Another person questioned the board’s authority on how a child lives their life. She said the board is in charge of education, not whether a student should wear a mask. Another parent said they were

disappointed that masks have become so politicized in the county’s reach.

“It’s shocking how effectively it’s been politicized,” she said. “We are in a world health crisis...and we can’t come together to defeat this.”

Because the school board wasn’t voting on masks, it didn’t address the public comments directly. However, the members offered their opinions in their closing remarks.

Beth Clark said she thinks the best way forward is to avoid negativity. She said she doesn’t like to be a negative person because things can’t be accomplished in that manner. Janice Kerekes said she understands the frustration of both sides of the discussion and that the school board must follow the law.

“I know we have all the best protocols in place that we had last year, except for mandatory masks, and I just want everyone to be careful and safe,” she said. “We have the best teachers and the best staff and everyone goes above and beyond and we appreciate that.”

Tina Bullock said children shouldn’t have to focus on the problems of the world and they should instead only need to focus on being a “kid.” Ashley Gilhousen said she hopes and prays that everyone can find it in their hearts to consider their neighbors and friends. She said everyone needs to take care of each other and be respectful to one another.

“I know that if we can do that, and I believe we can, we will have a great school year,” Gilhousen said.

School board chair Mary Bolla said everyone’s comments were heard and reiterated that the Clay County School District’s policy is not to mandate masks, but heavily encouraged their use.

“So many of our hands are tied,” Bolla said. “The choice is to strongly encourage your children to wear masks. You may think those smaller children...won’t do it…yes they will. They’re familiar with masks, they’ve been wearing them [already]. Having been a teacher for 17 years, I’m very aware of the concerns parents bring to us.

“If you feel strongly that your child should wear a mask, please help them learn how and do not hesitate to talk with your teachers. They’re open to suggestions and concerns, and they’ll definitely listen to you.”