Tuesday marks the return to school for thousands of children in Macomb County. Unlike neighboring Oakland and Wayne counties, there is no countywide mask mandate. Most districts have decided to make masks optional.

Oakland County said the increase in cases is the reason it’s mandating masks at all K-12 schools. It’s decision not everyone is happy with.

Utica Community Schools is the largest school district in Macomb County and it is opting to start mask optional for fall semester. Superintendent Robert Monroe said it depends on parents and the choices they and their students make as to whether that can continue.