Pasco Announces Masks Optional For Graduations, Summer School

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Thousands of Pasco County parents are breathing easier after learning of a new ruling to make face masks optional at the county's public schools.

The district announced Monday that Pasco County Schools’ requirement that students, staff and visitors wear masks or face coverings on all Pasco school campuses and district offices will end Friday, May 28. After that date, masks and face coverings will be optional.

The new ruling won't impact public school students this semester since the last day for students is Wednesday, May 26, and the last day for teachers is May 28. However, it will mean that students attending summer school starting June 7 and students entering Pasco schools for the fall semester can finally speak to teachers and fellow students without the muffling barricade of a mask.

Masks have been mandatory at all Pasco public schools since school resumed in August 2020 creating a divide between parents and staff who favor masks to safeguard against the spread of the coronavirus and parents who say it's not practical for young children to wear masks for hours on end and teachers who say it's impossible to instruct children while wearing a mask.

The “mask optional” change also will impact all high school graduations that occur after May 28. The school district will encourage graduates and their guests to bring a mask to protect them in crowds at concession stands prior to graduation ceremonies. However, masks won't be required since all but one of the county's high school graduations will be held outdoors in stadiums.

The school district said the optional masks ruling is subject to change if coronavirus rates suddenly rise, but officials expect the ruling to be in effect next school year.

When the ruling was announced on the school district's Facebook page, many Pasco parents celebrated the news, with 553 people indicating their approval of the school district's decision.

"Great news, Pasco," said Molly Mookie. "Thank you for going above and beyond to keep our kids safe. We appreciate the open and honest communication you've provided us. We will do our part."

"Thank the Lord," said Jennifer Howell. "My baby can start kindergarten showing her pretty smile."

"Thank goodness," echoed Stacey Seymour. "All they do is make you sweat more and stop you from being able to breathe, so woo-hoo."

The announcement wasn't universally welcomed, however.

"So glad to see our school district is prioritizing petty personal freedoms over the safety of our teachers and community," Katie Poviones commented.

"Even if you are vaccinated does not mean you are immune to the virus," said Christina Applegate. "You can still get the virus."

Pasco County is the first school district in Tampa Bay to announce that it will proceed with a masks optional policy at the end of May.

See related stories:

• Pasco County Rescinds Executive Order Mandating Face Masks
• Pasco County Students, Staff Still Required To Wear Masks
• Pasco Schools Plan To Mandate Masks
• Here's What Pasco Parents Can Expect When School Starts Monday