North Allegheny School District changes mask policy to optional just days after mandating it

WEXFORD, Pa. — As districts around Pittsburgh head back to school, there are a lot of questions surrounding what the mask policy is in each one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended earlier this month that there be universal indoor masking for all students, staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

At Wednesday night’s school board meeting, the North Allegheny school board voted to make masks or face coverings optional. Last Friday, the decision was made to make them mandatory.

“I felt ambushed. I felt like the meeting was a bait and switch,” said Melinda Wedde, a parent who went to that meeting with the intention of thanking the board for requiring masks in all buildings.

Instead, she was told the board had changed their mind — again — by leaving it up to parents to decide what is best for their children.

“I was so excited to send my kids back to school for the first time since March of 2020. They were so excited to go but now I feel uneasy,” she said. “Kids shouldn’t have to risk their lives to get a free and appropriate education.”

Other parents in the district woke up to an email and decided to send a letter to the school board, asking them to reconsider their decision.

“The way that I look at this is there is scientific facts that say that this is what we should be doing,” said Tracy Spagnoli, a parent in the district. The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a very bold statement that whether you are vaccinated or not all faculty, all staff, anybody who is in a school from K to 12 should be masked.”

Channel 11 contacted district leaders for a statement, but did not hear back.

It will readdress the mask policy on Sept. 22.

Online petition asks North Allegheny to require masks for students under 12

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