Minisink Valley school community:

Late this afternoon, Jan. 25, a New York Appellate Judge granted a stay in the state’s lawsuit over the COVID-19 face mask mandate. This means the stay remains in place while the case is appealed, and mask wearing continues to be required in schools.

Appellate Court’s stay issuance decision

The decision doesn’t mean the case is settled. Rather, it means the Nassau County Supreme Court judge’s ruling that the mandate is illegal is temporarily suspended. A hearing on the case will be held Friday, Jan. 28, and eventually a decision to uphold or overturn the ruling will be made.

As a reminder: Masks must continue to be worn in schools pending a decision by the Appellate Court.  The district is required to follow this mandate.   

Statement from New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa:
“We are pleased the Appellate Division granted the application by the Department of Health and the Governor’s office, confirming the lower court’s decision is stayed pending further proceedings. As such, the mask mandate remains in effect for schools across the state. We support Governor Hochul and the state Department of Health as they continue with the appeal. We thank the members of our school communities for their patience during this process.”

Thank you for your attention to this important information and continued adherence to the required mask wearing mandate.

READ MORE:
Jan. 25: Important reminder: Masks must be worn by persons in all buildings as appeal is filed
Jan. 24: New York State Education Department issues message on mask ruling update