WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Wausau School Board opted for a mask-optional policy this school year – inspiring parents on both sides to voice their opinion on the issue.
Now a group that favors mandatory masks in the Wausau School District has put up a billboard. The billboard says “Hey Wausau School Board, aren’t schools supposed to teach science.”
“We deserve to be listened to too. These kids are important. I’m a grandparent of a Wausau student and these kids are important. Their lives are important,” says Founder of Keeping Wausau Kids Safe and Parents Informed Mary Herff.
Keeping Wausau Kids Safe and Parents Informed – a local parents’ group – joined together to create and design a billboard. It was originally seen as a newspaper ad in Wausau City Pages, but felt their message needed a greater presence, Herff said.
Wausau School Board President Patrick McKee said the Grand Avenue billboard will not change the current policy. He even reported a few Board members being confronted at their homes by those opposing the policy. Social media posts were also seen threatening more unwanted visits.
“People can disagree with the decisions. They can disagree with the votes. They can disagree positions, but – at the end of the day – the people that run for these positions – be it school board and others in general – are absolute trying to do their level best in terms of what they think is best for the people they represent,” McKee told WAOW-TV.
