End of masks in schools? Volusia County to discuss policy this week

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Volusia County School Board will meet this week to discuss the district's mask policy. 

Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis said he would like the school district to get rid of the mask policy by the end of the school year if it's safe to do so. He wants to make it optional for students to wear masks, even if that's only for younger students.   

"I would love it even if we could just do it for elementary students. If it comes down to well, there's still a lot of spreads with students 15 and older, I would understand that," Persis explained.

He added that by May, more teachers are expected to be vaccinated, stating "many more teachers are going to be vaccinated between today and the end of April, which is a good thing."

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However, Volusia County School Board Member Ruben Colón said that he does not think enough people will be vaccinated. 

"I don't think we're anywhere near the conversation on whether vaccines have been widely distributed enough in order to end the mask policy," Colón said. 

The Volusia County School Board will have a workshop with the Florida Department of Health this week to talk about the mask policy. 

"Volusia County Schools will be reevaluating our mask policy. There's been a lot of talks out in the community on whether or not masks are still necessary," Colón added.

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Colón believes the school should be following CDC guidelines, which state that all schools "should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing."

Persis said whether they decide it is safe now or not, he would like to at least discuss a potential timeline, telling FOX 35, "if there's any good cause, or good reason, or a good time, let's just start talking about it."

The school board workshop will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Tune in to FOX 35 Orlando for the latest Central Florida news.