SACS board votes to make masks optional Passes unanimously; remote learning only through eSACS ASHLEY SLOBODA | The Journal Gazette Southwest Allen County Schools is planning a year of traditional, in-person classes where masks will be optional for all students and staff. Masks will only be required on buses per federal order. The five-member school board unanimously endorsed these and other changes – including welcoming school visitors again – to the district's return to classroom plan Tuesday night. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's revised guidance on mask-wearing in schools wasn't mentioned. The agency said Friday vaccinated teachers and students don't need to wear masks inside school buildings.