As dozens of positive coronavirus cases are confirmed within Sabine Parish schools, School District leaders met to hear out frustrated community members over Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ mask mandate.
The special School Board meeting was held Thursday, Aug. 26 in Many High School’s gym. Community members wanting to speak were asked to fill out a card upon entry.
Set to expire on Sept. 1, Edwards told KSLA News 12 during an interview at LSU Health Shreveport earlier this week that he anticipates the mask mandate will be extended due to the current COVID-19 climate in Louisiana.
“We just simply haven’t made enough progress,” he said. “We’ve got a ways to go.”
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 36 positive COVID-19 cases were reported among Sabine Parish public school students Aug. 12-22. The School District has been in session for 16 days.
More than 547 students and staff members — about 10% of the School District — are quarantined and out of school, Sabine schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Ebarb said.