- Updated January 27, 2021
Dear Chatham CSD Families,
Please know that at this time, all students and staff must continue to wear masks in school. Chatham Central School District is aware of the January 24, 2022 decision by a New York State Judge in Nassau County holding the mask requirement invalid. However, the state appealed the decision and an appellate court judge on January 25 determined that a stay will remain in effect until the appellate division rules on the issue. This temporarily blocks the lower court decision and the state mandate requiring masks in schools remains in effect until the Appellate Division hears and makes a determination on the pending motion. At this time, it is unknown when a decision will be issued.
The following is a statement NYSED issued to schools on January 24 in response to the initial ruling:
"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."
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. As always, we will continue to keep you informed about any changes to our COVID-19 protocols should they happen.
Sincerely,
Sal DeAngelo
Superintendent of Schools