Providence schools share survey with parents on plans to move to mask-optional policy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence Public Schools parents will have a chance to voice their opinions on whether or not it should be optional for masking in schools.

The district is looking for feedback on plans to move to a mask-optional policy beginning in early April.

“COVID cases in schools are down and vaccination rates are rising,” acting Superintendent Javier Montañez said.

According to data from the Department of Health, there have been fewer than five student and staff cases in the past seven days. Many schools sitting at no cases at all.

A survey on this new policy has been shared with parents in the district. Parents are being asked about their level of comfort-ability with masking up, including “what is your level of agreement with moving to a face mask optional policy?”

If approved, the policy would make mask optional indoors, outside, and on school buses.

This comes as a heated debate continues on Smith Hill over the impact of masking on children.

A bill was presented to the House Committee on Health and Human Services Tuesday.

Lawmakers introduced the bill arguing that there should be more consideration into the impact masking has on children before mandates such as these are put into place.

The House Committee said on Tuesday that the Department of Education and Health should “conduct a cost-benefit analysis before a mandate relating to the health and safety of children in school is issued.”