Newark Public School’s Superintendent Roger Leon has lifted mask mandates for everyone in the state’s largest school district.
According to a phoned message sent to district staff, students, and families around the city, just before 7 p.m. this evening, Superintendent Leon applauded the district for a great first week of school and then lifted the mandate.
Mask wearing will become optional, according to Superintendent Leon.
Just before the 2022-2023, school year began, the superintendent backed his decision for Newark being one of the few places in the country that wore masks, citing that case counts in Newark schools had a tendency to spike following extended breaks from school.
With staff and students returning from summer break, he said he would keep a close eye on the case counts.
Superintendent Leon’s message did not confirm the case counts for the first week of school.