Here is the full story, which is interesting throughout. Perhaps the French solution would be to ban masks! In the meantime, how about a policy of mandated no-masks for the teachers and administrators, unless they have health exemptions, and mask choice for each student? Or how else might we limit social strife over masking decisions? How can we move closer to the no-school masking equilibria of much of Europe>
As a side note, I believe masks have some effectiveness, but not total effectiveness, and so it is striking to me how much those in real danger think the masked environment is somehow acceptable. Some amount of risk is totally, absolutely fine, as they are not home schooling (which still would involve risk, I might add). But risk beyond that level is somehow a complete no-no -- is it that they all have so accurately done the cost-benefit calculations using expected utility theory? Keep in mind that along a great number of the equilibrium paths, masks delay but do not prevent infection.