Recently masks were mandated in Illinois for schools. Our school board had already stated they were optional except for buses. Because they're public transportation, they were required. Tonight, they had an emergency meeting. I revised plan was released earlier today. It stated "strongly recommended" for school property AND on the buses! It was passed unanimously.
Most other local schools are not requiring it as well. I feel like the mandate is a test to see if they still have power over us and they clearly do not. I'm ridiculously introverted so it took a lot for me to get up there today. But I did it! I not only got applause after my speech, but during it as well! I'm so proud of myself, our community and our school board!
I actually posted my speech in another reply if you'd like to read it. We also had an engineer talking about the filtration of masks versus the size of the virus. He spoke first, followed by me and then the head of our local unmasked group. She touched on the social damages of masking children. Others followed offering support to our board.
I'm fortunate that none of ours want the masks but feel obligated to follow the mandate. I recommend reaching out to your board members first.
Just remember to be passionate and respectful without putting a ton of emotion in it. The I just don't like them argument will never win.