Public school students in Lee County will now be required to wear masks at school with no option to opt out, except for a medical exemption with a doctor’s note.
The school board previously called a special meeting for Monday at 5 p.m. to address mask rules.
Ahead of that meeting Superintendent Ken Savage enacted the mandate to require masks for all students and teachers with no opt-out, determining that a board vote was not applicable in this situation, similar to the previous school year.
Last week, an executive order from Governor DeSantis barring school districts from enacting mask mandates with no parent opt-outs that cited the Parental Bill of Rights, was struck down by a circuit judge.
If students or staff don’t wear a mask, it will be discussed in private. If it’s an ongoing issue, options will be provided. There could be disciplinary actions depending on the situation. When it comes to employees, there will be a discipline process.
The mandate will go into effect on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and will last for 30 days. It will be reassessed after that time.
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