Crowd gathers to protest mask decision at Beavercreek School Board meeting

BEAVERCREEK — More than a few dozen parents and protestors demonstrated at the Beavercreek Board of Education ahead of and during the board’s meeting Thursday evening.

The crowd was in opposition to the district’s decision to require masks for students in grades Kindergarten-6.

On Wednesday, News Center 7 talked with parents who met to plan Thursday’s protest. Chris Yancy, father of two Beavercreek students, said he wished more “time and consideration” had went into the decision.

“I think [the decision] was a knee-jerk reaction to some of the things going on right now,” Yancy said.

News Center 7′s Sean Cudahy was at the school board meeting Thursday evening. He reported it was standing room only.

Inside, Board President Jo Ann Rigano provided an explanation for the mask policy. She noted that if the masks could save one student’s life, then the policy would be worth it.

Parents at the meeting raised their concerns and opposition to the policy. One parent said their child was concerned about not being able to concentrate due to having to worry about their mask.

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