Masks optional for students and staff at Collierville schools Jul 27, 2021 / 10:09 PM CDT MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Parents took to the podium at a school board meeting in Collierville Tuesday night to voice their opinions on whether students and staff should be required to wear masks when classes begin next month. “I believe that masking is still important,” Cindy Murray said. “We must all be given the opportunity to choose what is best for our children,” Michelle Hoffez said. A feeling shared by most parents who attended the meeting. “Any parent who feels unsafe can put their child in the virtual academy, get a child over 12-years-old vaccinated and they can have their child wear a mask,” Arlen Duke said, “Parents who want their children to attend school unimpeded by a face covering should have that right as well.”