CMS Board Votes To Make Masks Optional
CHARLOTTE, NC — Students and staffers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools will no longer be required to wear masks starting March 7, 2022.
The school board voted unanimously to make masks optional, following guidance from the Mecklenburg County Health Director.
“I bring forward a recommendation that CMS moved to a mask optional policy for all CMS facilities effective March 7th,” says Superintendent Earnest Winston.
Face coverings will continue to be required on all CMS buses, vans, and other transportation vehicles because of federal regulations.
The district put out a press release for more information:
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted Feb. 22 to make masks optional in schools effective March 7.
The decision followed Mecklenburg County’s decision on Feb. 16 to rescind its countywide mask mandate as a public health rule effective Feb. 26 and Gov. Roy Cooper’s announcement last week that state guidance would change, recommending schools adopt a mask-optional policy. Cooper’s guidance becomes effective March 7. The county health director also said that K-12 schools were “strongly encouraged” to shift to optional mask use by early March.
“Current trends point to a shift in COVID-19 conditions and indicate the need for a revised response plan that encompasses prevention, surveillance, and equitable distribution of resources,” Dr. Raynard Washington, director of Mecklenburg County Public Health, said after the county changed its mask policy.
Dr. Washington attended the Board of Education meeting Feb. 22.
“This has been a contentious and divisive issue for our schools and our society,” said Elyse Dashew, Board chair. “In response to the latest public health information, the Board is updating its policy on masking in schools. Our duty is to make these difficult decisions based upon the best advice available to ensure the well-being of our students and employees.”
The Board also said the March 7 date would allow families and staff time to get vaccinations or boosters, if needed, and give schools time to prepare communications and protocols for the change in policy.
The Board vote makes face coverings optional for all students, staff, volunteers and visitors on CMS property. However, face coverings will continue to be required on all CMS buses, vans, and other CMS group-transportation vehicles as long as the order of the Centers for Disease Control dated January 29, 2021, remains in effect.
The Board will also continue to review the mask policy at least once each month, as required by state law.
