APPLETON, Wis.— A mask mandate will now be enforced for the Appleton Area School District,

The decision came to fruition on Monday, despite parents vocalizing their concerns. 

Chants of, "My child! My choice!" were heard outside the doors of the AASD administration building, where a school board meeting was held to discuss changes to the mitigation proposal protocol updating masking guidelines for students, staff and visitors.

“So it’s a comprehensive plan, but the piece that we need to add in to the structure we presented to you on July 26 is a requirement for the masking mitigation strategy,” said AASD superintendent Dr. Judy Baseman. "It’s from the place of wanting to do everything we can to keep our kids in the classroom.”

Back in July, AASD voted to keep masks optional; however with a COVID-19 case surge, the new delta variant and no vaccines available for children under 12, the district revisited that initial proposal. 

Emily Tseffos, who has two young children headed to school this fall, is one of more than 200 parents that addressed the board with a signed letter urging for universal masks in schools.

“There were people that are thinking this is more of an opinion issue, and to me it’s a public health issue,” said Tseffos. “That letter is serving a reminder that we need to be listening to the people that know what they are talking about. I’m not qualified as a parent, but all of the parents on that letter were saying you need to listen to the medical professionals that are well versed on how to get us through this pandemic.”

School board trustees heard comments from several parents, community members and students as they took the stand in person and virtually to address why they supported either side of the debate.

Ultimately, after a discussion among all five trustees present, the vote was finalized at four to one in favor of mask wearing.

Deborah Truyman held the sole vote against masking, and cited mental health concerns. 

"We have read in some of the letters, kids are going to counselors office with panic attacks, with not being able to breathe; I think this is a serious consideration," she said. 

Parents that rallied prior to the meeting hoped the board would uphold the initial decision. Some parents, who held signs, said they aren’t too worried about the new variant. 

“We do know that there’s a new variant going around. There’s going to be lots of variants going around with us, and we’re never going to be able to stop the virus. It’s like the flu— it’s going to keep mutating,” said Autumn Bostwick, an AASD parent protesting Monday night. “So, at this point I believe that if mothers and fathers want to keep their kids in school, and they believe in masking, that’s their choice— mask your children. But I don’t, and I think we should feel able to choose.”

AASD starts classes on September 1. Board members will meet for a regularly scheduled meeting on October 11 to once again discuss masking guidelines.