Parents urge Rockwood board to allow mask choice and criticize superintendent's call to involve federal authorities

Dozens of parents spoke during a lengthy patron comment period at the Rockwood Board of Education meeting, pressing the district to change its COVID-19 approach and criticizing the interim superintendent for encouraging people to contact federal authorities about threats.

Kelly Lloyd, a parent, told the board that her daughter's mental health deteriorated after returning to school with COVID precautions in place, saying, "I now have to give my 16 year old daughter an antidepressant in hopes that she can make it through the school day." She described weekly counseling, academic decline and panic attacks that, she said, began after mask requirements and other pandemic-era measures were reinstated.

Other parents echoed calls for greater individual choice. Sarah Barnard urged the district to make masks optional, saying, "I would like that the district move to a mask optional setting." Kevin Lloyd framed mandatory masking as a form of pressure on children, asking whether forcing masks constituted "bullying."

Several commenters also criticized the interim superintendent's prior remarks at an earlier meeting that referenced getting the public to contact federal law enforcement. "As you may know, at the last board meeting, our superintendent encouraged our community to call the FBI on parents that have more conservative views," said Amy Krebs, who urged board action on library materials and policy. Elizabeth Cohn said the interim superintendent's stance "was disturbing" and urged restraint in invoking federal authorities.

Speakers said the combination of policy decisions and the district's public statements has eroded trust. Jennifer Weston described instances she said showed parents being singled out after speaking at meetings and said parents have been doxxed and otherwise harassed online.

Board members did not take votes on masking or federal involvement during the public comment period. The meeting record shows the board accepted the speakers' remarks before moving to a recess as audience disruptions increased.

The comments indicate deep community divisions over how the district balances COVID safety measures, student wellbeing and parental authority. The board has not announced a follow-up vote on mask policy or a public release of records related to the alleged threats; parents on both sides said they want more transparency and clearer procedures for addressing safety and conduct concerns.