The Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) has arranged for delivery of nearly 40,000 face masks to Vermont schools during the first weeks of classes. “As a member of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), we were able to offer free face masks to our members through the Masks for Kids Program,” explained VSBA executive director, Sue Ceglowski. Nearly one-third of the state’s schools took advantage of this generous offer.
“We notified school board members about the program as soon as we learned of it, which happened to be the second day of the school year in Vermont,” continued Ceglowski. “They had just over a week to request the masks. By the deadline, 92 schools had ordered almost 40,000 breathable, comfortable, washable face masks, which were available in child and adult sizes in nine different colors.”
“The Hartford School District is so grateful for getting these cloth masks! It means so much to our students and staff that others are making these thoughtful and generous offers in our time of great need,” remarked Hartford Superintendent Thomas Debalsi. He continued, “Many students have a mask but having another that fits well will keep everyone in our district much safer. We are so appreciative of this kind gesture. Words cannot express our thanks.”
The Masks for Kids Program is a partnership between the NSBA, Serena Williams, and Bella + Canvas which plans to donate 4.25 million masks to schools nationwide. “I'm grateful to be able to help educate our schools about this resource and to be given the opportunity to serve so many students," Williams announced.
The VSBA exists to support all school boards to serve as effective trustees for education on behalf of their communities and by providing a strong collective voice toward enhancing the cause of public education in Vermont.
