POLAND — Regional School Unit 16 officials are pushing to drop mandatory masking beginning next Wednesday.

The Board of Directors plans a special meeting Monday to consider adopting new masking guidelines that would make face coverings optional.

The move follows a state decision to drop its recommendation in favor of universal masking starting March 9.

According to a notice from RSU 16 administrators, Monday’s 6:30 p.m. meeting will take place online with nothing on the agenda except to change the mask policy. The link is available on the district’s website.

Listening sessions on the issue for staff and parents that had been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are canceled.

RSU 16 includes Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls.