The Newtown Board of Ed has voted to leave the decision on masks in schools up to individual teachers and families when the statewide mandate is lifted, presumably at the end of the month.  Masks will still be required on buses because transportation regulation decisions have been made at the federal level.  Superintendent Lorrie Rodrigue says they heard many opinions on COVID-19 spread  mitigation strategies in the schools, including masking, and thanked those who reached out to share their thoughts.  She noted that there is a myriad of varying issues, and the Board crafted very specific practices that the district will develop or maintain as a result. Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown and Ridgefield Boards of Ed met this week and all decided to have masks be optional for students and staff once the statewide mandate expires.