district in phoenix, they have less than half the number of on-site active cases per 1,000. madison school district's superintendent kenneth baca says they mandated masks indoors from day one. >> all we're trying to do is keep kids in school and keep them safe. [ cheers ] >> reporter: those protocols -- >> freedom, that's what i stand for. [ applause ] >> reporter: an increasing source of division at schools and businesses across the state. >> let us choose what is best for our children thank you. >> reporter: do the cdc findings reinforce what you've established here with mask mandates >> it reinforces it, and it's reaffirming and very comforting to know that the mitigation efforts we've taken is paying off. >> reporter: the district's mandate and new study results giving beth kohler and her two kids peace of mind >> masks and other policies like that help us keep our kids in the classroom which is where i want them to be and where they want to be >> reporter: parents now armed with new evidence about masks in a debate playing out