To the editor:

The events that took place at the Dec. 13 Bristol Warren School Committee meeting should concern everyone who cares about public school education, as there were individuals in attendance who seemed invested in displaying their own viewpoints rather than participating in discussions about educational topics.

When I hear about people refusing to wear a mask in a group, I often wonder whether these individuals have ever held a complex management position. I’m not sure they appreciate the challenges faced by principals and other administrators who operate schools and implement programs.

Managing a school system requires specific knowledge, careful planning, consistent attention, compliance with established guidelines, as well as collaboration and cooperation. Creating an environment for educational excellence does not just happen. Community members should either assist in these efforts or, at the very least, not make the job more difficult.

It is not clear to me why mask opponents choose school committee meetings to demonstrate their personal beliefs. At the most recent Bristol Warren School Committee meeting, agenda items were not addressed before the meeting was adjourned. How does mask refusal support the work of the School Committee? What kind of example does this provide to students who might ignore rules because they don’t agree with them? Why is energy that is needed in other areas being expended on individuals who seem concerned primarily about their own priorities?    

In a society, people can choose to be constructive and productive, or they can stand in the way of the urgent work of elected officials. Last week’s articles in this newspaper described community functions such as the European Christmas Market and the Cup Defenders Christmas Party. The people who worked on these events provided a benefit to our community.

Wouldn’t it be more gratifying to the individuals who obstructed proceedings of the School Committee meeting if they devoted their passions and talents to improving the lives of others rather than leaving a legacy of opposition to an inconvenience?

Barbara Byrnes Robinson
51 Seabreeze Lane