Gloversville Middle School

Due to the ruling in Nassau County Long Island yesterday, confusion reigns on the masking mandates in schools across New York State. The State Education Department has issued the following notice to all school districts regarding the matter.

“The State Education Department understands that Nassau County Supreme Court has ruled that the Department of Health exceeded its authority in enacting the mask regulation, 10 NYCRR 2.60, in Demetriou et al. v. New York State Dep’t of Health et al. This regulation is the subject of conflicting decisions, insofar as Albany County Supreme Court recently upheld the regulation in Massapequa UFSD et al. v. Hochul, et al. It is SED’s understanding that the Department of Health will appeal the Nassau County Supreme Court decision, which will result in an automatic stay that will unambiguously restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court issues a further ruling. Therefore, schools must continue to follow the mask rule.”

Since the Department of Health appealed the Nassau County Supreme Court decision after the State Education Department issued this notice, GESD will continue to follow the mask requirements at this time in accordance with the directive we have received from the State Education Department. Our board of education and administration are well aware that many are frustrated with the seemingly endless changes in COVID-19 mitigation protocols. Through it all, our highest priorities remain the safety of students and staff and keeping our schools open for in-person learning. That means we will comply with the directives issued to us from New York State.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience.