Manatee County School Board Decides to End COVID-19 Mask Mandates
Last night (5/25/21) All five members of the Manatee County School Board SAID THAT THEY support for ending the school district’s mask mandate. The official vote will have to wait until Friday (5/28/21), one day after students leave for summer break.
The School Board Chairmen, Charlie Kennedy, made the announcement to a large group of people who attended this meeting, many were there to protest the Manatee school district-wide mask policy for students and district employees.
A little background... On April 30, 2021... the Manatee school board published a “notice of intent to amend Policy 8450,” which includes the mask mandate. And according to its bylaws, the board is required to wait at least 28 days after publication to change the advertised policy.
Last night (5/25/21) After hours of public comment, including more than 20 calls to end the mask mandate, school board members agreed to eliminate Section B of Policy 8450, a new section that board members created last year to require masks.
The Board also stressed the need for students and families to have a choice in the new school year, including the choice to continue to wear masks, if they choose to do so.
Friday’s (5/28/21) meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the School Support Center, 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.
If you have any questions, You can contact the Manatee School District here: www.ManateeSchools.Net