Iowa educators scramble to keep kids safe with mask mandate ban in place Iowa educators scramble to keep kids safe with mask mandate ban in place and last updated 2021-08-03 23:14:24-04 COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) â Iowa educators are hammering out plans to keep kids and staff safe but requiring masks isn't an option. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill banning mask requirements in schools and cities. With superintendents and school leaders not able to enforce face mask mandates, Pottawattamie County Public Health's Matt Wyant said this year will be an adjustment. "It makes it tough, in any situation, to have key tools taken away from you," Wyant said.