Lethbridge public schools v-- LNN

By LNN Staff

School Divisions prepare to remove mask mandates despite frustration with province

Feb 9, 2022 | 5:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE AB. — The Alberta Teachers Association is frustrated with the Alberta government’s lack of communication about lifting COVID restrictions in schools.

ATA President Jason Schilling says school boards were not consulted about the decision, and he says it’s too soon to lift mask mandates at schools because they are still dealing with staff and substitute shortages from the Omicron wave of COVID-19.

“Consulting with those who are working every day in schools was the bare minimum this government should have done, and once again, they failed at that.”

Schilling is also frustrated by a tweet that Premier Kenney sent out following Tuesday’s news conference that said it was “Disturbing to see that the teachers union thinks unmasked kids create an unsafe workplace.”

The Premier included retweets from people concerned about a safe work and learning environment.

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Jason Kenney tweet – Taken from Twitter

ATA President Jason Schilling says singling people out like that in a tweet from the Premier is unacceptable.

“To throw it back into the face of teachers, after just saying in a press conference that we need to come together. We need to work together to overcome what is happening in COVID, and then to turn around and target teachers this way is despicable behavior. It is unbecoming of a Premier, and it is one thing that I find deplorable.”

Later in the afternoon, Premier Kenney responded to the ATA.

Despite the ATA’s concerns, local schools must comply with lifting the mask protocols announced by Premier Jason Kenney during the news conference Tuesday, February 8.

The Lethbridge School Division says it did not receive advanced notice about the Premier’s announcement, but it confirmed today that it will follow the direction from the province.

The Division says the Premier and the Minister of Education have made it clear in writing that school divisions do not have the authority to require students to wear masks effective February 14, 2022.

Lethbridge School Division Board of Trustees Chair, Allison Purcell, stated:

“We strongly support any masking decisions our parents may make, and also support our staff in navigating through this change.”

The Holy Spirit Catholic School Division also confirmed today that students won’t be required to wear masks starting Monday; however, it says masks are still highly recommended.

The Division added that all adults, including staff, bus drivers, and visitors will still be required to wear masks until at least March 1, pending further direction from the province.