OLYMPIA, Wash. – Almost 50 superintendents from eastern Washington school districts have sent Governor Inslee a letter urging an to end the mask mandate for schools.
The letter to Inslee, Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah and state schools superintendent Chris Reykdal, states that the mandate has “taken an exceptional psychological and social toll” on their communities.
They say concerns about the mental health of students, families and staff have prompted the request.
They contend that the availability of vaccines and COVID tests make the move possible.
Along with removing the mask mandate, the superintendents are asking that the responsibility of contact tracing be moved from school districts to the Department of Health.