Coppell ISD Board of Trustees extend its campus and facilities mask mandate through Oct. 25 at Monday’s meeting.

During the open forum, parents spoke on the topic of the mandate, running from stressing the importance of the mask mandate, continuing, removing or optional masking. More than 10 speakers stood in front of the board.

Many of the parents thanked the board for their decision of issuing the mask mandate on Aug. 30, bringing attention to how it can protect themselves and their peers. Parents also raised the concern for the increased numbers of kindergarten through sixth grade students returning to campus following the expiration of the virtual option, which ends Oct 7.

The board discussed concerns regarding the returning students from the closing of virtual learning.

“I am concerned about the number of kids that we’re bringing back and removing the mask at the same time,” Board President Nichole Bentley said. “It may not be a double whammy, but it feels to me that it has the potential to be a double whammy.” 

The board considered large gatherings including  homecoming, Texas State Fair and the approaching four-day weekend could increase cases as did the previous year, when two schools shut down due to a spike of cases after Halloween.

Ultimately, the board perceived the protection of students and faculty as a community task, leading to the extension of the masking policy.

Follow @CHSCampusNews on Twitter for more.