Mask ruling update – January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022

Dear Fort Plain Central School Families,

As you may have seen or heard through various media outlets this afternoon, the Governor and the State Department of Health filed an appeal from the recent Demetriou decision. This afternoon arguments were heard before the Appellate Division, Second Department, on the issue of the status of the masking regulation. At this time, the Appellate Court has temporarily stayed the Order and Decision set forth in Demetriou through at least January 28, 2022, to permit the parties an opportunity for additional arguments on that date, and should this result in a change in our current plan, we will update you as soon as possible.

In light of this ruling, public school districts in New York State remain subject to the Department of Health masking regulation at least through January 28, 2022. We will continue to monitor these proceedings and inform you of additional developments as they arise.

This has been a rather challenging 24 hours for students, parents/guardians, and our staff alike, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience. While there are certainly disagreements with this mandate and the various restrictions currently in place, we are hopeful that with the declining number of positive cases, across the county, and in New York State in general, we will begin to see the state project when such restrictions can be lifted.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jeffery Ziegler
Interim Superintendent of Schools