February 27, 2022
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
Late this morning, I learned of a press conference scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today. NYS Governor Hochul provided updates on the COVID-19 health pandemic, including updated NYS numbers of positive cases, positivity rate, and hospitalizations across the past months. She also referenced the recent announcements from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
NYS Governor Hochul announced that the statewide mask requirement in schools will be lifted effective Wednesday, March 2. As a reminder from a letter sent on February 11 (found here), we anticipated the Governor would likely revisit mask mandates, presumably after the February winter recess.
Based on this announcement, beginning Wednesday, March 2, 2022, West Genesee Schools will apply the option to mask for all students or staff members. We will support the decision and choice of individuals and/or parents; those that choose to wear masks and those who choose not to wear masks. We will support an atmosphere of mutual respect with acceptance of an individual’s choice.
As included in the Governor’s announcement, we will continue to adhere to any guidelines from the NYS and Onondaga County Health Departments that focus on the health and safety of our school community as we move forward.
Thank you for your continued partnership during a time when our common goal of health and safety is paramount.
Sincerely,
David C. Bills
Superintendent of Schools
West Genesee Central School District