NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Newton Falls Exempted Village School District has now changed its policy on masking in school.

At the beginning of the school year, the district left the decision on whether or not students wear masks up to individual parents. Now, the district will be mandating masks for all students effective Thursday, Sept. 2.

This decision was made in response to the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases within the school district. Currently, more than 36 students and staff members are in quarantine causing them to miss 10 days worth of in-person learning.

Those who were exempt due to personal/medical reasons during the previous school year will remain exempt during the current school year. New exemptions for any families interested and who qualify can be obtained from the superintendent's office. 

The district will continue to reexamine its decision weekly and adjust accordingly based on case numbers.