KARNS CITY — Members of Karns City Area School Board on Monday approved the revised School Health and Safety Plan, which included the implementation of the new masking and mask exemption policy.

The revised plan requires a medical excuse for any student wishing to be exempt from mask-wearing in school. Previously, any student providing an excuse didn't need to include medical evidence of a condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask.

“The majority of the community doesn't want this, but we need to keep the schools open in person,” Superintendent Eric Ritzert said.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, parents expressed frustration over masking requirements and shared stories about segregation in classrooms between masked and unmasked students.

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