Claim poor communication from district, Fishers Health Dept.
By DEMIE JOHNSON
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Fewer than 24 hours before Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) students go back to school, some parents on Tuesday called on the district to put a mask mandate in place.
Right now, face coverings are recommended but not required in HSE classrooms, but dozens of parents told WISH-TV News 8 there is a lack of communication between the district and the Fishers Health Department.
Some parents shared emails between them and the district’s superintendent, as well as a Facebook comment where the health department recommended a mask requirement, which you can read above.
But one parent said she got an email from HSE’s superintendent saying that’s not the guidance the schools were given, which you can read below.
“The CDC said it’s not safe, the Fishers Health Department says it’s not safe, the State Department of Health says it’s not safe. I don’t know what to do,” said a mom who asked conceal her identity for fear of backlash. “My son literally was like, ‘I’m so excited to start tomorrow’ and everything within me is screaming to not let him walk through those doors.”
She said the mask debate has become ugly in the district.
“We have a very loud, strong, kind of anti-mask, anti-vax community in the area,” she said.
Graphic provided by WISH-TV
Parent Michael McMann is not afraid to share his opinion publicly.
“I feel like I’m throwing my child to the wolves,” McMann said. “He’s been healthy, we’ve all been healthy and now tomorrow he’s going to be around 1,000 kids in his school that all cannot be vaccinated.”
News 8 reached out to both the Fishers Health Department and HSE Schools. The health department had not responded as of Tuesday night. HSE Schools sent a statement, which you can read below.
It’s the same in Noblesville where we have already started.
This is a political decision by the school boards to provide cover for themselves. They are risking our kids’ health because of politics, not miscommunication.
All of the credible experts have stated quite strongly that for our younger kids in school, masks are critical.
Please start asking questions of other schools, like Noblesville, as well.
This is not miscommunication. This is the school boards gambling with our kids to provide themselves political cover from the anti mask crowd here.
Please start asking questions of other schools, like Noblesville and Westfield, as well.
The ISFD has repeatedly emphasized how critical masks are in schools for the under 12 population. They are making as strong a recommendation as possible with the political pressure they face, and now it is up to the boards. Some people on the local boards need to step up and do what they know is right and safe, and not what is convenient.