Health specialist calls for mandatory masks in La Crosse schools this fall

Around the U.S., many people are demanding that children attend school in person again to keep from falling behind academically.  That call is also coming in La Crosse, from a county health specialist. 

Jacquie Cutts of the county health nursing program spoke to the La Crosse school board Monday night, requesting both in-person learning and mandatory mask use to prevent the spread of COVID.

Speaking as a parent of a special needs child, Cutts said she and her physician husband “think about the other families that are in the same place we are. It is terrifying to wake up and feel like if you decide to send your kid to school, you might be sending your child into an environment that could literally kill them.”  

The La Crosse schools might have a few more teachers on staff when classes start this fall, compared to last April. 

The school board has learned that the district could have 12-and-a-half more teaching positions in the budget for the new school year, with the increase coming from the hiring of “success coaches” in each school. 

The district projects an overall increase of five staffers, compared to spring figures.