More school districts deciding on masking policies in case state mandate is lifted

PENFIELD, N.Y. (WHEC) — More Rochester-area school districts are preparing for life after COVID-19 mandates.

The Penfield Central School District sent parents an email Monday asking for their input about what the district should do if mask mandates become a local decision that each district makes for itself, rather than a statewide mandate like it currently is.

Penfield parents have until Thursday, Feb. 10 to fill out the survey on Infinite Campus.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s "proof-of-vaccination-or-mask" mandates for businesses and mask mandate for schools is currently tied up in a legal battle, and the mask mandate for schools may or may not be extended by Hochul. It’s currently set to expire on Feb. 21.

Last week, Pittsford sent families a similar survey.

In Fairport, the Board of Education is holding a special workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 9 to discuss its masking policy. The community can attend in person in room 512 of Fairport High School or watch on YouTube. There are no Public Comments at Workshops.