Division, legality prompts MFISD to reverse mask mandate

The Marble Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously Wednesday, Sept. 8 to overturn a mask requirement at campuses after legal challenges changed and residents publicly voiced opinions.

In a social media post following the special called meeting, district officials offered two reasons why the mandate was lifted.

“This issue deeply divides this community and we are committed to action that will allow us to step back and put processes in place that seek to unite us as we address the issues of the pandemic,” the statement read. “Last week when the mask mandate was put in place, district counsel indicated it was ‘totally legal.’ Due to extermination of a temporary injunction that was in place, GA-38 now has the force of law in Burnet County.”

During the Wednesday special meeting, approximately 50 people gathered in the Marble Falls High School common area to express their opinions on masks and the virus in general.

The vast majority of speakers opposed the mandate and approached their arguments from various angles including legality, liberty and parental choice.

“The governor’s order has full force and effect of law; that doesn’t change because a lower court finds this or finds that,” Josh Parker said. “I find it disappointing that our board is playing politics with that and finding a reason from a court 350 miles away to hide behind that decision.”

Chris Feller told the board he would not tolerate what he perceives as “fear and hysteria.”

“Ultimately, I’m not willing to risk my daughter’s happiness, growth and development by forcing her … to wear a mask that won’t work in preventing her from catching something that statistically she has zero chance of dying from just to pacify the fears of grown-ups who are essentially scared of the boogeyman,” he said.

Elizabeth Mayor said she moved her children to Marble Falls to get away from the mandates in Austin.

“It became clear long ago that the virus is much less dangerous to children than initially expected,” she said. “Despite this evidence and despite the widespread availability of vaccines, adults in leadership positions are still making students miserable.”

Last week, district officials offered up a survey asking four questions about masks and mandates in schools. The results showed the divide in the community.

Of those surveyed – at least one speaker at the meeting said he did not receive the survey – 55 percent of respondants said they were in favor of the district’s original decision; 50 percent answered that parents should be able to opt out unconditionally; and 51 percent wanted the masks to be completely optional.

MFHS senior Anneliese Schmidt wondered why the students weren’t surveyed as well.

“In the high school, we are seen as young adults, and we are told that we can make decisions for ourselves,” she said. “It’s frustrating to be told by the district that we have to wear a mask whenever I see multiple teachers and administrators and even school board memebers not wearing a mask. It’s very discouraging.”

Medical doctors also spoke during citizen comments and offered up opposing arguments to the efficacy of masks and the steps that should be taken in the future.

Dr. Amy Van Dorfy was one of the speakers during the Monday, Aug. 30 meeting when the mandate was originally passed. She held to her data and experience in favor of masking when she spoke again on Sept. 8.

“I’m not sure about the tone of moral outrage, frankly,” she said. “We masked last year, and it worked. It’s been pretty clear to medical authorities. I’m troubled by the fact that this is where we are.”

Dr. Amy Offutt offered a different perspective using her own experience.

“My team and I have treated over 1,800 patients for COVID illness,” she said. “Masks have been shown to decrease viral spread from sick patients to well patients, but the benefits of masking well people are less supported.”

She suggested conducting a study in the Marble Falls community by observing what happens with students who mask and those who don’t.

“We need real data with real risk/benefit ratios,” she said.

Trustee Gary Boshears made the motion to rescind the order; Trustee Kevin Virdell seconded it. Boshears and Virdell, with Trustee Larry Berkman, originally voted against the mandate. The motion passed unanimously.

Trustees thanked the public for their input and passion concerning district affairs.

“I believe we are stronger when everyone’s voice is heard,” Trustee Alex Payson said. “When we talk to each other face to face as opposed to on Facebook, I think we make a lot more progress.”

MFISD Superintendent Chris Allen said the district would be taking a slower approach in the future, including an advisory committee with varying viewpoints on issues.

“Whatever we would do moving forward would be the result of a collective effort that pulls together wisdom and looks at this from all perspectives,” he said. “It will slow us down a little bit, but we’d rather go slow and keep people together than create difficulty and division.”

“Masks have been shown to decrease viral spread from sick patients to well patients, but the benefits of masking well people are less supported.”

— Dr. Amy Offutt Resident and physician

“…we'd rather go slow and keep people together than create difficulty and division.”

— Chris Allen MFISD Superintendent