Decisions to end mask mandate draws comments from both sides

Parents and students of schools in Sheridan County School District 2 have expressed opinions on both sides of the decision to end the mask mandate in the county’s schools.

Craig Dougherty, who’s superintendent of the district, elaborated during a presentation on Public Pulse earlier this week.

Dougherty said the decision to ask for an end to the mandate was made in collaboration of all three of Sheridan County’s School Districts, and it wasn’t made overnight.

Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer, late last week approved a request from the three Sheridan County school districts to lift the mask mandate, and that happened as of Monday. Students and staff of the county schools are no longer required to wear masks.

Dougherty said there are still students and staff who continue to wear masks. In addition, he said, the school district continues to maintain other safety measures against the COVID-19 virus, including cleaning within the schools. Students also continue to wear masks on the school buses, and Dougherty said 100 percent of the district’s staff has had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Also, Dougherty said, if County Health Officer Dr. Ian (EYE-un) Hunter or Dr. Harrist decide conditions warrant, such as an increase in COVID-19 cases, the mask mandate can be reinstated in the schools. Dougherty said just as the health officers are tracking the data related to the virus, so are the school districts. He said that’s being monitored every day.