Editor: I am a parent of a Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) student, spouse of an educator, and life-long supporter of public schools. In 2016, my family chose to live in CCSD because of its reputation for being well-run, progressive, and academically excellent. So, I was surprised, disappointed, and scared when, on August 4, 2021, Superintendent Christopher Smith announced that students and staff wouldn’t be required to wear masks during the upcoming school year.
This decision is contrary to public health guidance and the District’s own policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Education, American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Department of Education, and Tri-County Health Department all strongly recommend universal masking in schools. District Policy reads, “students are the ultimate concern;” “safe schools contribute to improved attendance, increased student achievement, and community support;” and “a safe … learning environment is essential to a quality educational program.”
CCSD has made our community less safe by choosing individualism over communitarianism, distorted allegiance to “freedom” over science, and political expediency over ethical leadership. Students were not the “ultimate concern.”
CCSD’s leaders don’t know better than scientists and public health officials; and they shouldn’t base policies and practices on appeasing anti-science, “don’t tread on me” conspiracy theorists. Instead, CCSD should immediately join school districts across the country – including Boulder, Denver, Englewood, and JeffCo – in requiring that masks be worn indoors by students, staff, and visitors. In other words, when in doubt, err on the side of safer and healthier schools, and potentially saving lives.
— Jason Langberg, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com