Mask Policy Updated For Fulton Schools, Plans Set For Next Year

FULTON COUNTY, GA — Fulton County Schools has revised its mask policy, which will go into effect on June 1. The district has also made plans for the next year.

Beginning Tuesday, June 1, masks will be strongly recommended for students, staff, and visitors, but not required at Fulton County Schools’ facilities.

After the CDC’s new guidance was issued to allow vaccinated individuals to go without masks, the district said it "has become impractical" to differentiate between those who have been vaccinated or not.

The district sent an employee vaccination survey to staff in April, which had 8,600 replies. Of those who replied, 80 percent have received the COVID-19 vaccination. Fulton County Schools employs more than 14,000 staff members.

The survey was aimed to record the number of district personnel, including employees, substitutes, and contractors, who have or have not been vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

At an April work session, a presentation was given that said there is no requirement for employees to get vaccinated. Although not a condition of employment, the district said its new hires will be asked if they have been vaccinated or not at the point of onboarding.

"We are pleased to see the increasing number of staff, students, and community members who have received the vaccination, and the continued data trends indicating COVID numbers are declining in our community," the district said. "The cautious, measured approach FCS has undertaken throughout the school year has allowed us to provide in-person instruction with the least disruption possible. We plan to continue with this approach as we move into summer learning and the new 2021-22 school year in August. We will continue to monitor and consult with public health officials and make adjustments if needed."

At the April work session, an update was given for the 2021-22 school year, including:

• Face-to-face instruction will be the default option for all students. Fulton Schools will have two virtual options, the Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (F.A.V.E.) and the Fulton Virtual program.
• FAVE is a new, permanent virtual solution for students grades 3 – 11. The fall 2021 class is planned to accommodate 1,000 students. Grade 12 is planned for the following year. K-2 classes are not offered.
• The Fulton Virtual program is an online option for high school students, with some middle school offerings. These students remain enrolled in the currently districted school and may choose up to three online classes per semester through Fulton Virtual.