On the morning of Friday, May 13, students and families received an email from Superintendent Dori Leyko informing them that ELPS will be moving back to a mask mandate starting Monday, May 16. The mandate was removed only one month ago by a board vote on April 11.

In the meeting, the resolution stated that if the CDC COVID-19 risk for Ingham County increased to medium, Leyko could reinstate masks without a board vote. 

 On Thursday, Ingham county changed its risk to medium and the transmission rate to high on their website. 

Students had mixed opinions on the matter. Rylie McClean (12) was frustrated with the mandate. Despite wearing her mask on and off after the mandate was lifted, she was still disappointed. 

“I’m just frustrated because it’s our last week of school and I think it would have been nice to see everyone’s faces before we left,” McClean said. 

Talaiah Reese (12), who also wore hers on and off was more reassured.

“I think it’s definitely a good idea just so that we can protect everyone together,” Reese said. 

This story will be updated throughout the day as more information is communicated.