VALATIE — Ichabod Crans Central School District leaders Tuesday continued to get an earful from the community over COVID-19 masking and vaccinations.
Last month the Board of Education meeting ended abruptly after members of the community refused to adhere to the rules set for public comments and had to be reminded numerous times to wear their masks.
The public comment section of the board meeting Tuesday night had a number of people speak about masking and vaccinations, but rules and mask policies were followed much more than at the previous meeting.
“Unfortunately, our last meeting was interrupted and delayed due to some rowdiness of some folks who had showed up at that meeting,” Board of Education President Matthew Nelson said. “And that’s unfortunate, it did push back other business to tonight. But we do want to continue to allow public comment as we have historically in this district.”
Nelson asked those who had signed up to speak to keep their comments brief, adhering to the two-minute time limit, and to keep them respectful. He informed everyone that lengthier comments could be written and given to the board.
“I have heard a lot of the same negative discussion around mask-wearing at these meetings for the past few months and feel the need to share a portion of the students view,” Ichabod Crane high school senior Annabel Cleary said. “Though I do not speak for all ICC students, I can say I actually enjoy the masks and the changes you have made to the school, to make our school so much safer.”
Masks have not caused any noticeable discomfort or harm to her breathing, she said.
School district resident Laurie Drum of Stuyvesant voiced her concern about how the students are being educated and the way the guidelines are being implemented she said.
“I believe that there is collateral damage that we’re not recognizing because of these guidelines, of masking, of emotional turmoil that students are experiencing that we don’t see behind closed doors,” Drum said. “I think there is abuse that is happening that cannot be resolved. I believe there are fentanyl deaths, overdoses because of the masking, and the lockdown, the entire stress of what we call ‘New Normal.’”
Rick Lawrence of Valatie spoke to the board about the definition of a bribe.
“The way I see it is accepting the (American Rescue Plan Act) funds is accepting a bribe, because it comes with a multitude of ever-changing rules that must be complied to in order to get the money,” Lawrence said. “Did you ask the parents if it was OK to accept this bribe? I was never asked. It seems you all decided on your own what you thought was best.”
Lawrence also talked about future lawsuits, which he said will be filed against the board of education.
“I can tell you right now that your insurance will not be enough,” Lawrence said. “If this does not stop tonight, this action will move forward. We will press these actions forward to the fullest extent of our ability until they are rescinded by the power of the constitution. That being said, we require a vote by all members both bonded and not on any and all COVID guidelines and mandates, a vote to continue or rescind them.”
After the public comment segment of the meeting, Nelson responded to a point brought up by multiple speakers.
He said the mask requirement is not tied to any federal funding and is not a requirement set until 2024. He added the mask requirement will last as long as it has to.
“I want to make it abundantly clear, and make it an unequivocal statement,” Nelson said. “There is no mask mandate until 2024. The mask mandate is at the direction of the Department of Health and the Governor. It has nothing to do with the funding we receive from a grant, a donation, or any other form of state or federal funding.”