'Unmask our kids': Elmbrook School Board takes no action as parents demand optional mask policy

 

Updated: 5:06 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Elmbrook School Board took no action during the meeting on Tuesday, May 11, despite numerous parents pleading that they relax their mask policy.

A growing coalition of Waukesha County parents have been moving from school board meeting to school board meeting, telling board members that masks are hurting their children’s ability to learn and interact with their peers.

The superintendent told board members he also doesn’t like wearing a mask, but he wouldn’t say whether they will vote on a mask policy change at the next board meeting or not.

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Posted: 9:49 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Mask-wearing in schools has been a hot topic in communities across the area lately.

Tuesday night, May 11, it was discussed at the Elmbrook School Board meeting.

One by one, parents addressed the Elmbrook School Board Tuesday night, pressing Elmbrook to, in the words of one mom, stop treating healthy kids like they’re sick -- make masks optional.

Parents walked in fired up, interrupting the start of the meeting. The interruptions were met with a stern warning that police could escort them out unless it calmed down. It did, allowing for board members to hear their cries for change.

“These accommodations are not reasonable. There are no mask laws or mandates in place in Waukesha County, but there are federal laws that apply here that you were to abide by, and I ask you to please make masks optional,” said one parent.

“It has been well over a year and we need to move forward,” said another parent.

A sign on the door to the district office says "masks required," but few attendees wore them. They held signs saying “mask choice” and “unmask our kids.” Even a few students told the board why masks have hindered their learning year.

“I have been struggling for the past two months and I have been trying to take off the face mask because my ticks have been increasing a lot,” said a sixth grade student.

“And I get headaches almost every day from having to breathe through a mask after coming in from playing at recess.”

Few parents were allowed into the meeting because of Covid restrictions. A number rallied outside.

“Well her mom and I complain about it all the time, so, and you can see I’m not wearing one now,” said one parent at the outdoor rally.

“We're sick and tired of this because the mandate’s over. Why do you still have it going on? Because the school system wants it,” said another parent outside.