(KNZA)---The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has voted to make the wearing of face masks optional for each student, teacher, staff member and visitor when the district's schools open later this month.

The Board took the action when they met Monday evening on a 5-2 vote, with Board members Ed Reznicek and Ann Shaughnessy casting the dissenting votes.

Superintendent Todd Evans told MSC News that language was changed in the mask section of the  district's " Return to School" plan to make mask usage "strongly encouragted" instead of required.

A number of patrons addressed the Board at the meeting, with varying opinions on whether masks should be worn in buildings.

School in USD 113 is scheduled to begin August 25, with in-person classes.  However, a remote learning option is available for parents not comfortable with sending their student to school for in-person learning.