Columbia Public Schools in court Tuesday over face mask mandate
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is set to be in Boone County court Tuesday morning over a face mask mandate lawsuit brought against the school district by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt.
On Jan. 21, Schmitt filed lawsuits against 36 school districts over what Schmitt stated was "illegally enforcing mask mandates."
The Jefferson City School District was included in the 36 districts sued by the Attorney General's Office.
Three Columbia residents, including Tara Arnett, Marisa Hagler, and Amanda Hamlin, are also suing with Schmitt against CPS, according to online state records.
CPS responded to the lawsuit saying it was a "waste of taxpayer dollars and resources."
Schmitt also previously filed a lawsuit against CPS in August for the district requiring masks for students. The Attorney General's Office dropped the lawsuit in December after the school district removed its face mask requirement.
In a January press release, Schmitt stated mask mandates have a negative impact on students.
“Mask mandates in schools are illegal, they simply don’t work, and they contribute to alarming and negative psychological impacts on our children," said Schmitt. "Parents and families, not bureaucrats, should have the power to decide what’s best for their children. With this litigation, we’re seeking to return that power back to parents and families, where it belongs.”
Due to the widespread increase of the Omicron variant, the district reimplemented a temporary mask mandate in January. CPS dropped its requirement on Feb. 11, but the AG's Office did not drop the lawsuit against the school district.
CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark told ABC 17 News the school district has submitted $6,246 worth of legal costs to its insurance provider from the August lawsuit. Costs have not been provided for the current lawsuit against the school district.
"The receipts do not include the time, effort, and distraction caused by the actions of the Attorney General," said Baumstark. "As employees and administrators take time away from our schools and our students to assist in the District's defense of this unnecessary litigation."
Baumstark said the deductible for Columbia Public Schools is currently set at $25,000.
"It is fair to say that this isn't free and it is costing the taxpayers money," said Baumstark.
The hearing is scheduled to start Tuesday at 9 a.m. Attorneys are expected to scheduled future court dates for the lawsuit.
