Brookline's School Mask Mandate Remains In Place, To Be Discussed

BROOKLINE, MA — The Public Schools of Brookline will continue with its mask mandate until it is rescinded by the School Committee, regardless of the state mandate ending at the end of the month, according to the district's policy manual.

Superintendent Linus Guillory did not provide a timeline for reconsideration, but said the district’s plans are to continue discussing what makes sense for the community. This conversation will involve a “wide-range of constituents,” including Brookline’s Department of Public Health and School Committee.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday that the state mandate will end Feb. 28, giving districts the choice to make masks optional or continue to require them indoors.

Under current DESE guidelines that will expire on Feb. 27, schools need to have at least an 80 percent vaccination rate among students and staff to request a state waiver to go mask-optional. Under the new guidelines, all students and staff will have the option to mask regardless of school vaccination rate and individual vaccination status.

Brookline School Committee members voted in August to put in place a mask mandate to begin the school year. The mandate applies to all students, staff, and visitors regardless of vaccination status.

"This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee,” says the policy manual.

In Brookline, 70 percent of residents between the ages of 5 and 19 are fully vaccinated, according to data from the state. As of Thursday, 19 percent have received a booster dose.

The next Brookline School Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17.