Montgomery Township board hears mixed public comments on mask rules as district awaits county guidance

Montgomery Township — Members of the public urged opposing positions on masking as the Montgomery Township School District signaled it will wait for county and state guidance before setting a final policy for full-time, in-person instruction in September.

At a July board meeting, several residents asked the board either to require masks or to make them optional. "I don't see how you can force the kids to wear it if you don't show us they are safe," resident Gabriela Zayova told the board, adding she wanted data showing masks benefit children and do not cause harm.

"I would like to request that the board consider making masks optional for all staff and students and allow parents to make the choice for their own children," parent Jennifer Dressler said, while acknowledging she was not presenting medical data. By contrast, Francine…