Masks at Ashland schools to be voluntary starting June 2

ASHLAND — Wearing facial coverings at Ashland City Schools will be voluntary for adults and students starting June 2, one week before class dismisses for the summer.

Superintendent Douglas Marrah said the district will follow Gov. Mike DeWine’s guidance that puts an end to the statewide mask mandate and most other coronavirus-related orders starting June 2.

“As of June 2, we’ll move to voluntary mask wearing,” Marrah said.

The move means students who have opted for in-person learning at the school will be able to go to district buildings without being required to wear a facial covering a week before the start of summer break.

The last day of school for students is June 9. Teachers’ last day is slated for June 10.

Senior festivities begin June 5 with a senior car parade, followed by a farewell assembly at the high school on June 9 and a baccalaureate ceremony June 11. Commencement will be on June 12.

Board member Brandon Wells disagreed with the move. Wells was the only board member who chose to wear a mask during the meeting.

“I think that’s a mistake,” he said, adding students between the ages of 12 and 15 have only been able to receive one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “That effects the community and my own children.”

Wells has three children enrolled at the district.

He also began to say children under the age of 12 — those who cannot receive the vaccine — can spread the disease to others who might be more at risk for severe symptoms more easily without the use of a mask.

Wells did not get the opportunity to finish his thought during the meeting because Marrah cut in with “the science says the under 12 are not really getting it, if they do, it’s really mild.” 

Wells scoffed and responded: “I have seen life-changing issues with COVID in my circle. I’m just saying I’m really leery of this. I’m not on board with this.” 

Marrah said he consulted with the district’s attorney, who recommended the district follow the governor’s guidance. 

“Well, it can be legal but still not right. I understand that it’s legal, I just disagree with the decision,” Wells said.

Marrah ended the discussion on the topic by pointing out the district’s move only means wearing a mask is voluntary.

Wells, in an interview with Ashland Source after the meeting, said he would feel differently if Ashland County’s vaccination rate was around 60-70%. As of May 25, the county’s rate sits at 31%, according to data from the Ohio Department of Health. 

“So science did not say we should get rid of masks in the last week of school,” he said.

Wells said it would have been a better decision to wait until school is out to lift the facial covering mandate.

“Our numbers are low because everyone has done a good job following all the protocols. There’s no reason to get rid of it for the final week (of school),” Wells said. “Just because (Gov. DeWine) said we could, doesn’t mean we should.” 

There have been 170 cases of COVID-19 between students and staff since the beginning of the school year, according to the district’s website.

Zack Truax, Ashland’s board president, said the board agreed last year to give the superintendent autonomy to move with different mandates handed down by state government.

Truax said this allowed the school district to follow state protocol without the need to meet every time those mandates changed. This change in protocol from DeWine is no different, he said. 

“And people are still allowed to wear their masks. They have the freedom to do that. It’s just not a mandate,” he said. 

Wells wishes the board was more involved and consulted with before decisions involving COVID-19 were made. 

“I love the board members and Dr. Marrah. I’m just in disagreement,” Wells said.