Appleton Schools Requires Masks After Decision Reversal: Report

APPLETON, WI — The Appleton School Board voted 4-1 to require masks in school buildings for all students, staff and visitors.

The mask requirement will take effect Wednesday, the Post Crescent reported. School starts Sept. 1 and the board will revisit the policy at another meeting Oct. 11.

The latest decision reverses the Appleton School District's decision to make masks optional in July, WBAY reported.

“We are recommending mask requirements for this point in time because we believe that it is the best way for us to keep our kids fully in person,” Dr. Judy Baseman, Superintendent of the Appleton Area School District, told WBAY.

School board member Deb Truyman was the only person to vote "no" at the meeting, the Post Crescent reported. Truyman cited concerns about the effectiveness of masks, though medical professionals have supported face coverings throughout the pandemic.