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.

Cindy Hildebrand of Karns City feels masking children should be strictly a parent’s decision.

“Kids can’t tell (facial) expressions now because your face is covered,” Hildebrand said.

The policy comes after a state-level mandate requiring medical evidence for students to receive proper exemption from mask wearing.

Members of the community in attendance immediately began voicing their objections to new requirements.

Ken Bray of Karns City said he feels strongly that the state shouldn’t require medical documentation.

“It’s none of their business,” Bray said.

Ritzert said it was hard to predict how the public would respond to the new health and safety plan. 

“Those favoring tighter restrictions (should) be in favor of the (plan), but we’re trying to maintain a balance between (schools of thought),” Ritzert said.