Public school districts that “willfully defy” COVID-19 health mandates risk losing state funding, said Chris Reykdal, state superintendent of public education on Wednesday, but will have at least two chances to comply, according to a Seattle Times report.

Reykdal has reportedly filed an emergency rule that describes how districts that fail to comply with the measures will be penalized.

The sanctions were announced in July.

In a notice sent to school districts, Reykdal reportedly said health measures are working and local school boards or superintendents are not free to decide on particular changes.

And based on research, Reykdal said vaccination and masking has proven to be the best way to prevent the spread of the virus, aligning its emergency rule with the governor’s recent announcement.

On August 18, Governor Jay Inslee announced that all teachers would be required to be vaccinated and also extended the mandate of indoor masks statewide to include everyone, regardless of status. vaccine.

Inslee said: “This virus is affecting young people more and more and those under 12 still cannot get vaccinated. We will not play with the health of our children, educators and school staff, nor with the health of the communities they serve.

According to the Seattle Times, Reykdall said districts that fail to adhere to the mask rule or offer a full-time in-person learning option would face an “immediate halt” in funding.

For districts or schools receiving state funding and found in violation of the new rule, they would have 15 days to show compliance after receiving a first notice and for a second notice, five days to correct the problem or funding could be withheld if it is not complied with.

Once schools and districts were back in compliance, funds would be restored.

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