Traverse City Area Public Schools announced in an email to parents last weekend that it would be lifting its mask mandate.
The decision comes after the Benzie-Leelanau Health Department lifted their mask mandate Friday last weekend. TCAPS and the health department still strongly recommends students wear masks in classrooms.
TCAPS School Board President, Scott Newman-Bale says that the masks mandate implemented in January was to get through the Omicron wave.
“We wanted to make sure it ended in some way that was tied to public health so we tied it to the Benzie-Leelanau public health order so it would expire automatically when it did.” Newman-Bale says.
Benzie-Leelanau Health Department Health Officer, Lisa Peacock says they anticipated a sharp surge from the Omicron variant and were fortunate to see a rapid decrease.
“It’s a really drastic public health measure that was always intended to be temporary and can only be taken in certain epidemic conditions.” Peacock continues, “With those changing conditions it’s not possible to justifiably leave a public health order in place when things are 
improving.”
Peacock also says new ways to combat COVID went into their decision.
“We now have widespread access to vaccination for all school aged children as well as the widespread availability of PPE’s,” she said.
Newman-Bale says it’s been increasingly difficult enforcing the mandate.
“I think now we definitely have to turn to personal responsibility,” he said. “Everyone wants personal choice, but with personal choice comes personal responsibility. So let’s understand we all have a part to play regardless of opinions.”
TCAPS School Board President says parents and officials need to start lowering the tensions and hopes people start listening to each other more.
“None of us have the ability to tell that person that their feelings are wrong. Or even if we think that they are, that’s how they’re feeling, and I think we all realize we have to provide a safe space for everyone,” Newman-Bale said. 
The president of the school board says he understands there’s strong feelings among parents about the decision, but feels now was the right time to make the change.
“The kids are the most important thing. We have to be the adults in the room.” Newman-Bale said. “Be positive with them and speak to them honestly and make sure that we’re respecting each other. This is going to be a new norm. We’re going to be in this for a while. So let’s just try to find a way to move forward positively.”
The mask mandate will be officially lifted Friday, Feb. 18. Click here to view TCAPS full announcement.
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