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Parent voices concern over mask mandate

September 7, 2021

The following is an email that was sent to the Indian River Board of Education and principals of Sussex Central and Long Neck Elementary, with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.

I have two children in this school district, Natalie (11th) and Joey (5th). I was hesitant to put it in this email, but I believe that it is important. I know you will have to defer but, I have a couple of questions. One, most importantly, has there been a hybrid or remote-access option put in place since we don’t want the five-day mask mandate? Also, in reference to my child’s attendance. The definition of an “unexcused absence” is “An absence which does not include a parent/guardian note within the two-day time frame of the student’s return to school.”  Does that mean that if my child is absent for a week, so long as it isn’t more than 10 days, and as long as I provide a note upon his return, there will be no truancy? 

Though I realize that some of this is out of your hands, my child’s education is in mine. If you check with both Joey and Natalie’s previous teachers, you will see that I am quite involved with them and their teachers. I am not just a disgruntled father. I believe in my child’s education because one day those kids will lead this great country. What I don’t believe in is being told how to parent my child. I am not anti-mask by any means. If someone wants their child to wear a mask, I fully support their decision. That is their choice.

For those of us that do not want our child to wear a mask, we have no option. We have no choice. Hybrid was hastily set up last year and seemed to go off without a great deal of trouble. That would mean that this year could be set up exponentially better. To show how involved I am, I attended the BOE meeting at Central. That is something that I never did in the past because I believe that our educators do an outstanding job and I have complete trust in all involved. That is how much I care about my children’s education. Please give me, and many other parents, an option. We are all in a difficult situation, but only you have control of my children’s education and future. Have a great school year, stay well and have a great day. 

Joseph Hurd
Indian River
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