Last week, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce called out Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent John O’Brien saying that masks shouldn’t be forced on kids, citing COVID-19 numbers when compared to last year at this time. Piece says that it’s time to end the mask mandate in school saying that they’re being forced to wear masks all day.
Superintendent O’Brien sent a response through letter to the Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor and reiterated on KSRM, “You know, everyone’s aware of some social media posts. Just so you’re aware, I have responded to the mayor and, in a kind hearted, matter of fact way about why we have made the decisions that we have and why we continue to make the decisions that we have in terms of mitigations to make sure that #1 we can keep all of our students, staff and this entire community safe. I remind folks that, even though of us 16 and older have had the opportunity, if we want, to get the vaccine, the vast majority of KPBSD students are under the age of 16 and don’t have that option available to them right now. You know that I’m doing everything I can to keep schools open 100% for the rest of this year and to do it in a safe manner.”
Mayor Pierce, however says that he’s a skeptic saying that he wonders if the reported possible fourth wave of the coronavirus and the subsequent variants are real. “You know, the healthcare providers will argue that it is mask up and create as many mandates as they can to control and to minimize your movement and your liberties and your freedoms.”
Facebook post from KPB Mayor Charlie Pierce:
Below is the letter from the superintendent sent to Mayor Pierce:
Response to Mayor Pierce 4.9.2021
