POLAND, Ohio - The Poland Local School Board decided Monday night whether students will be required to wear masks when school begins in just three days.

Superintendent Craig Hockenberry says the district has heard from hundreds of parents on both sides of the issue. Now, with just a few days until students return two decisions were made.

Hockenberry said school officials received 491 emails and two petitions were circulated collecting signatures from those in-favor and those opposed to a mask requirement.

The board of education will require masks for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade.

However, no mask mandate will be put in place for grades 7-12. Instead the decision will be left up to the individual students and parents. 

21 News crews arrived at the meeting to find parents holding up signs against a mask mandate in the school district. 

Janet Rogers will have more on this decision and reaction coming up on 21 News at 11.