Beavercreek Superintendent Paul Otten and Kettering Superintendent Scott Inskeep both cited the falling number of COVID-19 cases as part of the decision. Both districts still recommend masks for unvaccinated students, staff and visitors indoors.
Otten and Inskeep both said their districts will continue to monitor the situation.
“I believe this is a step in the right direction of getting our district closer to our pre-pandemic practices,” Otten said.
Centerville noted the high vaccination rates in Centerville zip codes — 79% in the 45458 zip code and 77% in 45459 — and the falling numbers of COVID-19 cases.
“We know there may be individuals who prefer to keep wearing a mask, and that choice will be acceptable and supported,” said Centerville Superintendent Tom Henderson. “This decision was made with the support of all members of the board of education.”
Xenia schools also dropped their mask mandate earlier this week.
Some districts, including Trotwood-Madison, Mad River, Oakwood and Dayton Public, still have mask mandates. Several school districts had taken away mask requirements earlier, including Tipp City, Troy, Miamisburg and Huber Heights.
Governors in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon announced Monday they would lift mask requirements in schools in upcoming weeks, according to the Associated Press.
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