Good evening Pine Bush staff and parents,

Earlier this evening, the Supreme Court of the State of NY, County of Nassau, issued a decision in a court case in which a group of parents filed a lawsuit against the governor and the Commissioner of Health in regards to the mask mandate rule for schools.  The New York State Supreme Court decision is here. 

The court determined that the current mandate, as enacted, is null, void, and unenforceable as a matter of law.

In response, the New York State Education Department issued a notice to superintendents that it is their understanding that the decision will be appealed,  “that will result in an automatic stay that will unambiguously restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court issues a further ruling.”

This is a fluid situation.  Therefore, I may need to make another phone call early tomorrow morning with the most updated information. Stay tuned and please be patient as we navigate this challenge.

Donna Geidel, interim superintendent of schools