ARNOLD, Mo. – Here today. Gone tomorrow. The Fox C-6 School District in Jefferson County is done with the masking for the time being.

The big mask change is happening quickly in Jefferson County’s largest school district. Some parents are upset with the district’s approach to mask wearing.

The superintendent sent a message Wednesday evening, saying that starting Friday, masks will be optional inside buildings in the neighborhood.

But they will be recommended.

When school started, everyone was required to wear masks inside buildings in the district.

But the school board approved a plan requiring masks if Jefferson County was in the two most severe COVID levels, red or orange.

On Wednesday, the health department announced that although the county was overall in the red zone, the positivity rate had fallen to the yellow zone.

This led to the change, making masks optional.

Critical parents say the district has not done a good job communicating with parents or teachers about the mask policy.

“He’s been everywhere to say the least, so it’s very frustrating,” said parent Milton McDoniel. “They finally make a plan, then they throw everything out the window. Why do it now? I mean, what was the point? ”

In his letter announcing the change, Superintendent Dr. Paul Fregeau said, “Students who have close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 in a school setting will still be eligible for a modified school quarantine. ”

Fregeau says the student can continue to attend classes in person, as long as they wear a mask at school for 14 days after contact.