More districts modify COVID-19 rules after Schmitt letter

 (AP) — Two Kansas City area school districts are dropping mask mandates and modifying quarantine rules in response to a letter from Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s threat of legal action if they didn’t. 

Smithville and Kearney school boards voted Monday after Schmitt said a Cole County Circuit Court judge’s ruling last month meant school districts do not have legal authority to enforce such rules. 

The Columbia school board also voted Monday to end its mask mandate but a district spokeswoman said the vote had nothing to do with Schmitt’s letter. 

Also Monday, Jackson and St. Louis counties filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Cole County judge’s ruling.