PARIS — Parents around Oxford Hills erupted with frustration after seeing pictures of unmasked SAD 17 staff at training sessions last week, which led to Superintendent Dr. Monica Henson disabling the district’s longtime Facebook page. She launched a new page on Friday that limits the posting of misinformation, accusations and personal attacks against the school board and educators.
A screen capture of accusatory and derogatory comments made on the Oxford Hills school district’s Facebook page last week, which resulted in the page being disabled. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat
“My rule is to not engage in debate on the medical evidence,” said Henson during a phone interview Monday. “I am not going to permit dialogue on our social media accounts that has not verified by public health experts.
“We have three main sources of COVID-19 safety guidance: U. S. CDC, Maine CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our ‘interpreters’ at the local level are the District Physician, Dr. Kate Herlihy, and Lead School Nurse, Beth Gallagher.”
When Henson took over as the district’s superintendent she formed a COVID response team made of senior department heads, administrators, the district’s medical director and a teacher representative. At least one student also requested to participate in meetings. Henson informed SAD 17 school board directors at their August 16 meeting that because of the current rise in COVID cases, primarily due to the delta variant and unvaccinated patients, she recommended mandating masks in schools for students and all adults when in the presence of students as part of the 2021-22 school reopening plan.
The COVID response team also utilizes verified data from the National and State Centers for Disease Control and Maine Department of Education during their weekly review and strategy meetings, which are held via ZOOM conferencing.
As reaction to the SAD 17’s school board decision to require that students wear masks when they return to in person learning in September spiraled on Facebook, many posts contained personal insults and links to debunked or unproven COVID theories, all of which were removed. Some posters were so abusive they were blocked and a few began creating fake accounts to continue their trolling behavior.
Most Facebook reactions relating to mask mandates and school reopening activities in Oxford Hills had been positive, but a vocal minority dominated discussion in the comments sections and became increasingly vitriolic.
Henson regrets that she had to go that far, in particular because she was invested in hearing the viewpoints and questions of students whether they were supportive or critical.
“It was the students posting who were the most respectful,” Henson remarked. “I would love to have an interactive Facebook page, but it’s not possible in the current climate.”
The previous Facebook page had been set up as a personal page that allowed no administrative oversight. The new Facebook page may be viewed but does not allow comments. Page visitors will be able to continue posting questions for Henson to answer during her Facebook Live on Friday afternoons.
The policy for when schools reopen on Sept. 1 is that all students must wear masks in school buildings; staff is required to wear masks when students are in buildings and are asked to do so at all times if unvaccinated. The SAD 17 School Board has authorized Henson to loosen masking restrictions if public health allows it, or increase restrictions if conditions in Oxford County and the state worsen.
Henson said that parents with worries about the emotional effects of masks on their children should reach out to their teachers and school guidance counselors. School nurses, social workers and counselors will closely monitor students’ behavioral health in-school as well.
Despite backlash on social media, Henson intends to use its most popular channels to continue communicating parents and students. In addition to Facebook, people can access SAD 17’s social media accounts on: YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
Apart from the public reactions to SAD 17’s 2021-22 COVID policies, the COVID response team continues to closely monitor the virus and strategize on student safety in schools. The group met Monday morning to share information and plan.
District School Nurse Director Beth Gallagher informed the team that as reported cases in Oxford Hills communities have risen, so have vaccination rates. Norway’s vaccination rate is highest, at 87%. West Paris’ rate is the lowest, with 66%. The other towns in SAD 17 are running between 71 – 79%. Gallagher also shared school staff vaccination rates, which are gathered using a confidential, permission survey. The most recent survey showed rates trending behind the communities the schools are in. Hebron and Agnes Gray elementary schools are the lowest with 52% and 55% respectively. The other schools showed that at least two-thirds to 80% had been vaccinated. Gallagher is in the process of redoing the survey; the updated statistics will include new hires.
Henson told the group that going forward school districts will be required to report staff vaccination rates by school to the Maine CDC every two weeks and will be posted on their website for public viewing.
Facilities Director Dave Coburn will have HVAC filters changed out at all schools and other buildings. He expects delivery of new masks and disinfectants to arrive this week. Foodservice Director Mike Mayberry said cafeteria supplies – including single-use cutlery and trays – are also due. He anticipates there may be supply chain challenges down the line.
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