Mask debate in Park Ridge-Niles District 64

About a dozen parents of Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 students on Thursday implored the school board to let them choose whether kids should wear masks on campus during the upcoming school year.

Some of the speakers during the evening's board meeting opposed mask-wearing as a measure to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some claimed the disease doesn't harm children, which isn't true. Many insisted parents should be able to make the decision for their own kids.

A few people spoke in favor of a mandatory mask policy.

The District 64 board hasn't made a decision about a mask policy for the upcoming term. Guidance from state health officials is expected to be updated next week.