KLGR-area school districts make COVID masks optional

Whether schools should require students to wear masks against COVID-19 is a controversial topic across southwest Minnesota. At the moment, there seems to be agreement from most KLGR-area public schools.

Face coverings are currently optional for the upcoming school years at BOLD Public Schools, Wabasso Public School, Renville County West, at Cedar Mountain Schools, Yellow Medicine East, GFW, and the entire Redwood Area School District, including Redwood Valley High School and Middle School, and Reede Gray Elementary School. Again, those are schools where masks are currently planned to be optional.

All of those school note they are staying within Minnesota Department of Health and Department of Education guidelines, and that circumstances may change if the school boards or superintendents believe it becomes necessary. KLGR will update as we receive additional information.

In related news, the Mankato Area Public School Board and St. Peter School Board have passed mandatory mask requirements for students and staff, despite a strong showing from those opposed to a mandate. The Mankato school board said that district’s resolution can be lifted when vaccines become available to youth and COVID-19 transmission levels decrease to low levels.