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<p><strong>By Mike McCombs</strong></p>
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<p>The Beaufort County Board of Education will discuss and vote on a proposed mask mandate in a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the district office, Beaufort County School District Communications Director Candace Bruder-Brasseur confirmed Friday.</p>
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<p>The meeting is expected to feature public comments.</p>
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<p>Board member William Smith initially moved to vote on a mask mandate at Tuesday night’s meeting. After a lengthy discussion, Ingrid Boatright made a motion to postpone voting on Smith’s motion until the board got the proper legal and health advice. The motion passed 9-2, with Smith and Richard Geier opposing.</p>
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<p>By rule, since the agenda wasn’t complete by 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, the board continued the meeting Wednesday night. Around two dozen citizens were in attendance.</p>
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<p>Though there was supposed to be no public comment Wednesday night, the board voted, 8-0-1, to allow it. Most who spoke were opposed to a mask requirement.</p>
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<p>According to the agenda emailed late Friday afternoon, the board plans to hear legal advice during executive session before any possible action. No mention is made in the agenda of any counsel by health care professionals.</p>
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<p><em>Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Cutline:</strong> Students meet their new teacher on the first day of classes Monday at Broad River Elementary. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County School District.</p>
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