Summerland vote to lift mask mandate fails

A motion to remove a mask mandate for Summerland students in preschool through third grade failed during Monday's board of education meeting.

The vote ended in a 3-3 tie.

A handful of parents and patrons addressed the policy during public participation, and again, when the board addressed the agenda item.

District patron, Seth Anson, of Ewing, said currently, masks are only a recommendation from the local health department.

"It should be the parents choice to take the masks off our kids," he said.

Superintendent Dale Martin said while NCDHD recommends wearing masks, they have advised school di...