Lexington R-5 administrators released a statement regarding the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the district.

Administrators say, “We received notice this week that Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed a lawsuit against the District regarding our Board-approved masking requirements. Our District is among over 45 public school districts across the state who have been targeted by the Attorney General for taking available mitigation measures recommended by medical professionals to keep our students learning in person.”

The statement continues by saying, “Locally-elected Boards of Education have the legal authority to make decisions about how best to keep our students and staff healthy and safe while at school. The Attorney General’s decision to target public school districts with lawsuits that have no legitimate legal basis, undermining locally elected officials during a time when educators and leaders are working tirelessly to support students and families in the midst of a pandemic is disappointing.”

In conclusion, administrators add, “Legal counsel for the District will defend your elected Board of Education’s authority to make decisions that are best for our students and staff. It is unfortunate that our local tax dollars must go toward defending this lawsuit, and that taxpayers across the state are required to pay for the Attorney General’s baseless litigation.”