Newton School Committee Votes To Make Masks Optional

NEWTON, MA — The Newton School Committee voted Monday night to make masks optional in Newton Public Schools starting on Tuesday, March 8.

The new policy was recommended by Newton’s Medical Advisory group and adopted unanimously by all School Committee members.

Although students, faculty, and staff will be able to forego masks in most circumstances, they will still be required for people returning from COVID-19 infection on days six through 10 and in the nursing and health offices.

"While the City mask mandate ended and the School mandate is ending, many of our residents, educators and students may choose to continue wearing a mask for a number of reasons,” said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement. "In Newton, we support that choice.”

Newton elementary students began wearing masks when they returned to school on Sept. 17, 2020. Middle and high school students started wearing masks immediately when they returned in Nov. 2020 and Jan. 2020.