Masks required in Mooresville schools as COVID-19 case rate rises

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Masks are now required district-wide inside Mooresville Graded Schools after an emergency board meeting on Tuesday.

Kerry Pennell was the only board member to vote no as the mandate passed 4-1. She expressed her views about the masks when the topic came up last month.

“I’m at a loss for words,” she said in December. “I don’t support any of that.”

The change comes as the health department reports a 16.5% positivity rate in Iredell County.

On Thursday, Channel 9 learned that out of 750 employees and 6,125 students in Mooresville Graded Schools, 26 employees and 161 students were not in class due to COVID quarantine rules. The district said it has the ability to remote learn if an entire class needs to quarantine.

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Monica Bender, who is a mother, told Channel 9 masks are the right decision.

“Sending our kids into school, and teachers, without protection, not only guaranteed more quarantines but actually people getting sick,” she said.

Jennifer Becker said her three students don’t care for masks, but she still thinks it’s the best option to keep everyone healthy and in school.

“The last thing they need is to be sick and be in quarantine,” she told Channel 9. “I really hope that the kids can stay in school and if wearing masks is what it’s going to take, then I’m all for it.”

Before the winter break, the school board only required masks in schools when more than 1% of students and staff tested positive. Now the change extends to extracurricular activities and sports, although students can opt for weekly testing -- if they can find it.

Becker said even that’s a challenge in Iredell County.

“It’s very hard to find a test anywhere now,” she said.

The district’s mask mandate will remain in effect until the board meets again on Jan. 11. Bender said she hopes it sticks around until the case numbers drop.

“Let’s just make it easier for everyone and keep them all masked for a while,” she said.

The mask requirement applies to athletes and spectators at Mooresville Graded Schools’ indoor-sponsored events as well as indoor-sponsored extracurricular activities.

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