OCDSB to talk keeping mask mandates in schools at Monday night meeting

There is continued debate among parents and students in Ottawa over dropping the mask mandate in schools, and the city’s largest school board will meet on Monday, March 14 to discuss the future of face masks in the classroom.

The province has been clear that schools and many other public places are to drop mask mandates on March 21.

But some school boards, parents and staff aren’t on board and want to keep them on for a little longer, while others agree with the province.

“We’ve got about 25 to 30 per cent of the people writing me saying they want us to align completely with the province and lift all measures and mandates,” Mark Fisher, OCDSB trustee, told CityNews, adding that the board has the responsibility to discuss all factors involved. 

“We certainly do have the authority to have this discussion and to determine what we need to do,” he said. “I would say though, the authority is strong for our employees than it is for our students.”

Fisher admits there are many complications when it comes to student mandates, so any changes will likely affect the educators. 

The OCDSB will hear delegations from the public tonight.