Say Goodbye To Manatee County Schools’ Face Mask Policy

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The School Board of Manatee County ended the district’s mask requirements for students, staff, teachers and visitors at a special meeting Friday morning.

Board members voted repeal the portion of School District of Manatee County Policy 8450, which mandates “employees, students and visitors to wear face masks in School District facilities, vehicles and while attending school-related events and programs, such as high school graduations and summer school,” the district shared on Facebook.

This makes face masks optional across the district just one day after the 2020-21 school year ended and more than a week before summer school begins. The policy changes take effect immediately.

“We encourage our students, staff and families to respect those who elect to continue wearing face masks, as well as those who choose not to wear one,” the district said.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

All board members indicated at their Tuesday meeting that they supported ending the district’s mask requirements. They couldn’t vote on the matter at that meeting because they published a public notice about the potential policy change April 30 and are legally required to wait at least 28 days from the publication date to vote on it.