The Pearl River school superintendent sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office Tuesday, asking him to lift the indoor mask mandate in schools.
Superintendent Dr. Marco Pochintesta, like many parents, wants to do away with mask wearing, but can’t unless the state’s executive order is lifted.
If he were to defy the state's executive order, as parents suggest, he says they would face sharp penalties.
"If we disregard that executive order, we will risk monetary fines and potentially school closure," says Pochintesta.
Gov. Cuomo said Friday he would ask the CDC what they thought about not requiring masks in schools, but officials there said they should still be worn since kids under 12 aren't eligible to get vaccinated.
Pearl River parents and students are very divided on how the district should proceed with only a few weeks left in the school year.
The superintendent is now waiting for a response from the governor’s office.
With school ending in just a few weeks, the odds aren't great the mandate will be lifted before summer break.