Knoch Area School District parent Barb Brace voices her concerns over mask policy at Wednesday's school board meeting. About 45 parents, family members and students attended the session.

About 45 people turned out at Wednesday night's South Butler County School Board meeting, mostly to condemn the board's decision to comply with the state Department of Health's mandate that all students wear masks.

Tom Breth, district solicitor, reminded those in attendance that his law firm is leading a challenge to the school mask mandate, and that a hearing will be held on Thursday in Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg on the issue.

“This is the correct process to challenge this order,” Breth said.

He also said the school board should make a good faith effort to uphold the mandate until a court of law determines whether the mandate is enforceable or not.

“I hope this evening we will set a good example for the students who may be watching in how we conduct ourselves,” Breth said.

The board also passed a three-year contract with its 162 teachers that was reached in just two meetings with the South Butler County Education Association.<b> The full story is available for subscribers at butlereagle.com. Please consider subscribing to support our local, independent newsroom. </b>