School Face Mask Policy: Manatee County Schools Seeks Input

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The School District of Manatee County is asking parents, guardians and employees for input on its policy requiring face masks for students, staff and visitors while on school property, in district facilities and on school buses.

As the district enters the second quarter of the school year, the School Board of Manatee County will reconsider this policy at its Tuesday meeting. The school board initially adopted the emergency mask amendment to Policy 8450 in August before the school year started.

At Tuesday’s meeting, board members will decide if any changes need to be made to Policy 8450, which addresses the use of face masks in the schools.

Parents and guardians can participate in the district’s Face Mask Opinion Poll online here.

Staff can access a separate Face Mask Opinion Poll online here.

Responses must be submitted by Friday at 11 p.m.

In neighboring Sarasota County, the Sarasota County School Board narrowly approved the extension of its districtwide face mask mandate in a 3 to 2 vote at its Oct. 20 meeting. This prompted a group of parents to sue the district for forcing students to wear masks at school.