HWDSB in discussions with ministry after province doubles down on ending mask mandate March 21

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the government expects Ontario schools to follow provincial direction to end mandatory masking in schools March 21.

School boards in this province are expected to implement this cautious plan, coupled with the ongoing improvement of air ventilation within Ontario classrooms," he said in a statement Friday.

The move follows a Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board vote Thursday to keep masks in place for students and staff until April 15, contrary to the province's direction to lift masking requirements and other COVID-19 measures immediately after March break.

In a statement Friday, HWDSB chair Dawn Danko said the board is in active discussions" with the ministry.

Trustees approved to continue the mask mandate for students and staff until April 15, which is beyond the provincial guidelines," she said.

The province had previously told boards they must follow the provincial direction and could not put in mask mandates of their own.

More to come ...

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com