ST. PAUL - St. Paul Education Superintendent Glen Brodziak took time during Wednesday's regular board meeting to clear up what was referred to as misconceptions around a specific situation that unfolded earlier in the week due to non-compliance of mask wearing in St. Paul schools.
The situation arose when a local parent alleged his children and wife, who is a St. Paul Education employee, were sent home for not wearing face masks at school.
Earlier in the Jan. 12 meeting, Brodziak had affirmed that public health measures did not change over the holiday break, and students and staff returned to class on Jan. 10 under the same public health orders that had been in place since September, regarding face masks.
In September of 2021, an email was sent out to staff about the requirement to wear masks at work, said Brodziak.
According to CMOH Order 42-2021, "All students enrolled in grades four through twelve, staff, and visitors must wear a face mask while attending at a school building." The directive was signed on Sept. 16, 2021, by Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw, and is available online for public viewing.
Brodziak also clarified earlier in the meeting that students and staff are not required to wear masks that are being sent to schools by the provincial government. The school division will instead send a consent form home to most St. Paul Education parents regarding the masks and rapid tests announced by the province, before the items are even sent home. The only exception would be in the case of an Elk Point school where the items have already been sent home with students.
When speaking to the issue that arose on Monday, Brodziak said he could not relay specific details about the incident. He noted that the current situation of the pandemic is of course inconvenient to everyone, but the wearing of masks in schools for students in Grades 4-12 and for staff is compulsory.
He explained the first step in dealing with non-compliance regarding the wearing of face masks in schools is to speak with the particular individual and remind them to wear their mask.
"We try to work that out," said Brodziak.
If a student does not comply, then a phone call is made to their parents or guardians. The student is then isolated while they wait for their parent to pick them up.
When dealing with the most recent public health measures, school divisions have been given the ability to enforce extra measures, such as enforcing masks for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12. St. Paul Education has not put any extra measures in place beyond what is required.
"We are trying as much as possible to remain flexible," said Brodziak.
When a student chooses not to comply, student learning is paused for a short time while the teacher deals with the situation. A principal is also notified and has to attend the situation. Administration then tries to talk to the student, which again takes time.
If a parent picks up their child for non-compliance, then the teacher has to find school work for the student to take home.
"There is a disruption to instruction" for all classmates to some extent, said Brodziak. He said he did receive at least three phone calls after Monday's incident, from parents who were concerned about the disruptions to learning happening in their children's classes "because of the choices of others."
Brodziak said he felt the action of non-compliance regarding masks in schools is "misdirected."
"Those aren't my rules, those aren't our rules, it's misdirected," said the superintendent.
Students have responsibilities, which are included in the Education Act. Section 31 speaks to student responsibilities, and states student conduct must contribute to a "welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging... comply with the rules of the school and the policies of the board, cooperate with everyone authorized by the board to provide educational programs and other services," Brodziak read out loud.
He further noted that Section 32 of the Act speaks to parent responsibility, noting parents have a responsibility to take an active role in their child's educational success, which includes encouraging their child to comply with Section 31. A parent's conduct must also contribute to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment.
"We don't want to suspend children from school," said Brodziak, noting that suspensions are a last resort. But, he was also clear that suspensions will be on the table when students are disrupting the learning of others.
"There's an option for parents that don't feel they need to comply, by all means we can offer at-home learning. This will not be tolerated in our system. Anyone that cannot wear a mask, there are exemptions. If we need mental health supports, call us, let's work together... we'll do anything we can... to support our children," said Brodziak.
Board chair Heather Starosielski also spoke to the issue, mentioning a specific media report - not written or published by Lakeland Today - that spoke to the situation and included "false information," such as referring to government-issued masks as being mandatory. She noted that masks from the province had not even arrived at schools by Monday, when the issue arose.
"By all means, continue to wear a mask that you've been wearing all along," said Staroskielski.
She was also concerned that she was not contacted for comment on the situation, as board chair, and "there wasn't timely follow-up with the superintendent with regards to the exact situation" before information was published online.
Starosielski added, "I think it's very important, given the divisive time that we're in right now, that we try to work together as a community, and give everyone a voice as much as possible... not everyone is on Facebook."
"It's been a difficult few days," she added. "Because of that situation not being reported on accurately or entirely... This is not an easy time for anyone."
