Masks No Longer Required for Polk Public Schools' Students, Staff

POLK COUNTY, FL — Starting Wednesday, June 9, face coverings will no longer be mandatory for students and school staff to wear at Polk County Public Schools.

Tuesday night, the Polk County School board voted unanimously to lift a requirement that students and staff wear face coverings, a Polk County Public Schools news release said. Masks will not be required on buses either. If a student or staff member wants to wear a mask during the 2021-2022 school year, they do have that option, according to the school district.

“We still continue to encourage masks for anybody who is not vaccinated, but we are giving the option and flexibility to families and staff to make those decisions,” Frederick Heid, incoming PCPS superintendent, said.

Students who opt to wear face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.