ALGOMA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A controversial comment made by an Algoma School District board member was addressed Monday night, almost a month after the comment was made. The board member spoke about it, as well as the public.
“I guess we could just go without masks. But then your children will die,” said Algoma School District board member Ann Schmitz.
Schmitz made the comment during a special board meeting on Sept. 21.
It has left some parents in the Algoma District frustrated and asking her to resign during Monday night’s regular board meeting.
“We’re kind of taken back that there was no public apology and never even made mention or reached out to anyone to say, ‘I was frustrated I’m sorry,’ which we can all understand. But it wasn’t handled correctly. Public figures can’t say anything they want and not be held accountable for it,” said Algoma parent David Marrero.
Schmitz addressed her comment during Monday’s meeting.
“I was embarrassed that I lost my temper,” said Schmitz. “But I’m wearing a mask, and I still think that masking is important.”
The board’s president, Barb Rodgers, also spoke out about the comment during the meeting’s “Misconceptions and Rumors” agenda item. The board has added this item to address any rumors among the district.
“She still voted at the end of the meeting to make masks optional because she as a board member took her own personal, obvious opinion aside, and looked at all the different factors we were looking at to try and make the best decision for our district,” said Rodgers.
Other members of the public took time to say that it wasn’t Schmitz’s comment that was offensive. Rather the public’s participation during last month’s meeting.
“For you to go after Ann, who has given 16 years on this board and more as a librarian and bus driver, for coming out and blurting something that she does not believe in her heart, that’s what’s reprehensible,” said one Algoma community member.
Algoma’s COVID-19 dashboard shows that there are six positive cases among students and staff. That’s out of over 800 people total.
