Updated: 7:40 PM EDT July 28, 2021 The Pickerington Local School District says masks will be optional for students and staff heading into the 2021-22 school year. The announcement comes a day after the Ohio Department of Health "strongly" recommended all unvaccinated students and staff wear masks indoors when classes resume in the fall. Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics released guidance saying everyone, including those who are fully vaccinated, wears a mask in the classroom. During a board of education meeting on Monday, Pickerington Superintendent Dr. Chris Briggs said a large portion of his staff is vaccinated and the district is establishing an environment that is ‘mask welcome’ for unvaccinated students and staff alike.”