Here we are, EXACTLY one year ago when the $hit hit the fan, when it comes to COVID-19 and school.  Numbers are on the rise, Burleigh County is one of the worst in the state, and this time around our kids are coming down with the virus more frequently.

If you remember, October of 2020 is when the numbers really began piling up across the state.  It wasn't long after that, when the Governor of North Dakota issued a statewide mask mandate, put sports and activities on pause, and other assorted mandates.  There was a HUGE uproar over the postponement of athletics and activities.  It inspired the creation of a Facebook group Let Them Play ND, which currently has over 7 thousand members.  Eventually, after a lot of pressure, the Governor reinstated athletics in December.

NOBODY, in my eyes has suffered more than our children when it comes to COVID-19.  When I think of what my son, who's a senior in high school has gone through, and all the rights of passage he's missed out on, it truly makes me sad.  His entire high school experience has been dictated by COVID-19.  That's a tough age to deal with something that most of us adults can't even deal with.

I've seen the emails and texts over the last couple of weeks from Bismarck Public Schools, letting us know my son has had classmates come down with COVID-19.  I know the threat is real.

A group of parents and some community members, about 75 have written a letter urging the school board and Bismarck Public Health to implement a mask mandate.  Here's the letter.

ND Department of Health
ND Department of Health
loading...

Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken told me he's had as many or more emails sent to him urging him to NOT implement a mask mandate at schools.  The North Dakota Board of Health met on the letter today.  They were was a motion to deny the letter, because it was not their jurisdiction.  The coalition of parents in favor of the mask mandate have already been turned down by the school board, and their mask mandate request.  There's a good bet they will try again with the school board.

In the meantime, I'm curious how you feel about the subject?  Cast your vote below!

 

 


 

 

25 Ridiculous Myths About North Dakotans

 

More From US 103-3