CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A temporary mask mandate was approved Tuesday night by the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board.
Board member Charlie Patterson proposed the measure, pointing out that last year the numbers were improving in CMCSS. But now they’re getting worse.
“Right now, whatever we’re doing is wrong,” he said.
The temporary mask requirement is based on rapidly rising cases in school buildings, Patterson said, and trying to keep the buildings open.
The motion states that indoors and where social distancing can’t be maintained, masks will be required from Monday, Sept. 20, until the first formal school board meeting in January 2022.
The mask mandate passed 5-2. Voting against were Kent Griffy, who opposed the mandate, and Jimmie Garland.
Garland supports requiring masks, but said he didn’t think this mandate was strong enough.
All parents have opt out option, per the Gov. Bill Lee’s executive order. The measure also allows employees to opt out.
The vote was preceded by a public comments period, where 25 speakers addressed the board.
MORE: Amid tearful speeches, shouting match, School Board meeting ends in mask mandate