The West Central School District in Henderson County, Ill., has decided to reverse its decision to ignore a statewide mask mandate.

On Aug. 11, the board of education voted to defy Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order to require face masks. By ignoring the order, the district could have lost state and federal funding. Students also would have been ineligible to participate in athletics.

On Wednesday, Aug. 18, the school board changed its position and voted to follow the mask mandate. The district will require masks indoors, as well as on all school transportation.

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 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe West Central School District in Henderson County, Ill., has decided to reverse its decision to ignore a statewide mask mandate.On Aug. 11, the board of education voted to defy Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order to require face masks. By ignoring the order, the district could have lost state and federal funding. Students also would have been ineligible to participate in athletics.On Wednesday, Aug. 18, the school board changed its position and voted to follow the mask mandate. The district will require masks indoors, as well as on all school transportation.

West Central School Board Reverses Course and Votes To Reinstate Mask Mandate