Local schools ponder whether to lift mask requirements for students Gov. Asa Hutchinson will give a decision on lifting the state-wide mask mandate at the end of March. Some schools say they might stick with the masks anyway. Author: Bailey Devane Updated: 5:55 PM CST March 11, 2021 SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Leaders of local school districts are debating if students should continue wearing masks in class, even if Governor Asa Hutchinson lifts the mask mandate at the end of March. Springdale Schools say their students are good about wearing masks, and their COVID-19 numbers are lower than ever. So with only around nine weeks left in the school year, Springdale Schools say they might keep the facemask requirement if the mandate is lifted.