The requirement for Seneca Valley students to wear masks to school ends next Monday, when masks will become optional.

The requirement for Seneca Valley students to wear masks to school ends next Monday, when masks will become optional.

The school board approved the action at their Monday night meeting.

Seneca Valley was the only district in the county that still required masks, which several parents decried during the meeting’s public comment session.

The board was presented with three options in making masks optional in its nine schools.

The first option saw the requirement kick in Tuesday, the second on Feb. 21 and the third on Feb. 28.

Initially, many board members were prepared to vote for the first option so masks would become optional immediately.

But board member Leslie Bredl suggested teachers should have some time to prepare for the change and parents should have time to discuss it with students.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.