On August 9th, the school board voted to create mask mandate for all students and faculty attending USD465 schools. As a parent, not even knowing that this was going to be on the agenda being that late last year the school board stated that the fall classes would be optional, I did not attend the school board meeting. I and many other parents want this overturned. Wichita, Arkansas City and Augusta schools (to name a few surrounding) have adopted optional mask wearing. Augusta adopted that quarantine was only required if the student or faculty exhibited symptoms. We ask for your support in overturning this mandate that goes against the health of the children as it is found that masks do not protect like many think. This mandate also dehumanizes our children. School boards all over the country are faced with these tough decisions, but here in Winfield, KS we believe that it should be a decision between the students and parents. Not a mandate.