Masking Still Required in GVSD

Dear School Community,

Today, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court struck down the school mask mandate, ruling that Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam did not have the authority to issue the requirement under the state’s Disease Control and Prevention Law. Upon learning of the ruling, our solicitor counseled the Board and administration of the impact this decision would have on Garnet Valley. He advised that an appeal would most likely be taken to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and that such an appeal should result in an automatic stay of any lower court ruling. Simply stated, the Acting Secretary of Health’s mask mandate would remain in effect until one of two things happens: (1) either the mandate expires, as it does on 1-17-22, or (2) the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rules on the issue prior to that date. Therefore, our district will monitor this situation closely to await official confirmation of an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the impact it will have on the decision rendered by Judge Fizzano-Cannon today. Until an automatic stay is authorized, our solicitor has opined that students and all employees will be required to wear masks in district buildings and on district vehicles until further notice based on the existing Board approved health plan. Supporting the solicitor's guidance, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education has stated, “the state is filing an appeal today, which will trigger a stay of the Court’s ruling and keep the order in effect. Schools should continue to observe the school masking order throughout the duration of the court’s proceedings.” 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we monitor and adjust to this evolving guidance.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marc Bertrando, Superintendent