Superintendents: End of masks, contact tracing at schools

SPOKANE VALLEY – Following the lead of the Kettle Falls and Richland school boards, superintendents from across Northeast Washington sent a letter late Tuesday night, Feb. 15, to Gov. Jay Inslee requesting an end to mask mandates for students, staff and visitors.

The letter was also sent to Dr. Umar Shaw of the state Department of Health and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

“We are writing on behalf of districts in the NEWESD (Northeast Washington Educational Service District) 101 region to encourage you to take immediate action toward substantial relaxation of the cur...