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School Districts (with link to source)R (Required) / O (Optional)NotesAdditional Notes
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Alamance-Burlington SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education voted to move all ABSS sites and schools to a mask-optional status both indoors and outdoors. On August 2, 2021, the Board voted to approve a requirement for all staff and students ages 5 and up to wear face coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status, to start the 2021-2022 school year. On September 14, 2021, the Board clarified that athletes must wear a mask if they are not actively playing
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Alexander County SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Alexander County Board of Education voted for masks to be optional for K-12 students and staff. The Head Start program and buses are under federal mandates and will continue to require masks.Previously on August 31, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2 optional mask policy and voted to require masks indoors for staff and students. The decision came after a report from school health services indicated 585 students (13.2%) of students were currently quarantined in the school system. On October 12, 2021, the Board voted to continue its mask mandate but only until the number of positive cases in the schools system is 20 or less for a three-week rolling average.
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Alleghany County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022, the Alleghany County Board of Education voted to keep masks optional.On December 14, 2021, the Board reversed its August 24 mask mandate and voted to make wearing face coverings optional.
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Anson County SchoolsOOn February 28, 2022, the Anson County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for students and staff.On July 26, 2021, the Anson County Board of Education voted to require masks: "All individuals, including students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings at all times while inside of school buildings or on school transportation vehicles, including school buses, vans, and other group school transportation. Generally, individuals are not required to wear face coverings while outdoors or while in personal vehicles on school grounds. However, masks must be worn in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact with other people."
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Ashe County SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022, the Ashe County Board of Education voted to continue optional masking in schools and to make masks optional on school buses. On August 13, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require all students and staff to wear masks while indoors. Masks aren’t required outside, and staff can remove their masks when they're alone in the classroom or anywhere else not in the presence of children. On January 3, 2022, the Board voted to make masks optional.
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Avery County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022, the Avery County Board of Education voted to continue with its optional face mask policy for all students and staff in the school system. On September 28, 2021, the Board reserved its August 10, 2021, optional mask policy with a mask mandate for all students, teachers, and staff when inside school facilities. On October 12, 2021, the Board voted in favor of optional masks.
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Beaufort County SchoolsOOn April 5, 2022, the Beaufort County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy.On August 18, 2021, the Board voted to require masks, reversing its July 27, 2021, vote to make masks optional. On October 5, 2021, the Board voted to return to a mask optional policy for staff and students when in the classroom.
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Bertie County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022, the Bertie County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 10, 2021, the Board adopted the Pathways to a Safe and Healthy Return that requires masks in schools. On October 5, 2021, the Board voted to direct the Superintendent to develop procedures and forms as necessary to determine whether an exemption should be granted under the mask policy and applicable law.
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Bladen County SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Bladen County Board of Education voted to transition back to optional masking. On August 20, 2021, the Board reversed its August 9, 2021, optional mask decision and voted to make masks universally mandatory indoors. All staff and students of Bladen County Schools will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status while indoors, except for those with legal exemptions already established by the NCDHHS StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit. On November 8, 2021, the Board approved optional face coverings for students and staff. Masks are still required on school buses. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to put masks back in place in schools.
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Brunswick County SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Brunswick County Board of Education voted to continue 'face covering optional' protocols in the required monthly vote and supported the recent change in CDC guidelines that now do not require face coverings for individuals on a school bus. So face coverings are now optional both inside school buildings and on school buses.On August 9, 2021, the Board voted to begin the school year with a mask mandate inside school buildings for all K-12 students and unvaccinated staff, with vaccinated staff being exempt from the mask mandate. On November 2, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for all students and staff. Should the positivity rate at any given school reach 10%, the mask mandate would go back into effect at that individual school. On December 7, 2021, the Board voted to remove the rule that a 10% positivity rate would require a school to return to mandated masks. On January 12, 2022, the Board voted to return to the Face Covering Required protocols at all Brunswick County Schools. On February 1, 2022, the Board approved moving back to 'face covering optional' inside all schools.
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Buncombe County SchoolsODuring the March 1, 2022, meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education, the Buncombe County Schools Superintendent announced that masks are now optional for students and staff while riding school buses, per the new CDC federal guidelines. The Board also voted to reaffirm the current mask policy. On August 13, 2021, the Board held a meeting to discuss enhancements to the face covering requirements to begin the school year. The Board had previously voted to make face coverings universally mandatory indoors, regardless of COVID-19 vaccine status, with considerations of exemptions based on medical or behavioral challenges. Additionally, coaches and participants in indoor sports must wear masks in practice but would have the option to lower them during intense practice activities and while participating in athletic contests. Face Coverings on buses and other school transportation will be required due to federal mandate. On February 22, 2022, the Board voted to adopt an optional mask policy.
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Asheville City SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022, the Asheville City Board of Education voted to make masks optional, effective March 14. "Face coverings remain an important line of defense for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students and faculty. Therefore, please continue to remind your child about the importance of properly wearing face coverings while at school and on our school buses. Face-coverings must be worn over the mouth and nose at all times on all Asheville City Schools campuses...In order to attend a Cougar athletic event, fans and spectators must wear a mask at all times."
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Burke County Public SchoolsOOn March 14, 2022, the Burke County Board of Education voted to continue with the mask optional policy. On August 16, 2021, the Board reversed its July 29, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks indoors for all K-12 teachers, staff, and students, regardless of vaccination status. On November 15, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional. Masking on school buses will still be required by federal mandate. On January 10, 2022, the Board make masks mandatory again for all students and staff. On January 24, 2022, Board Attorney Chris Campbell told board members that because they were deadlocked and the mask mandate was expired, that means masks will not be required in the classroom until the Board meets again and holds another vote. On February 7, 2022, the Board again voted 3-3 to amend the mask policy. The Board attorney said that since a mask mandate requires an affirmative majority, the 3-3 deadlock will result in BCPS schools remaining mask optional.
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Cabarrus County SchoolsOOn February 8, 2022, Cabarrus County Schools switched from a mask mandate to a mask optional policy. On March 2, 2022, the Board voted for masks to be optional on buses. On August 16, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 26, 2021, decision to make masks optional and voted to require all board members, visitors to school buildings, staff, and children in grades PreK-12 to wear masks indoors, including school and activity buses, unless actively eating. On September 13, 2021, the Board voted that the district will not contact trace unless two cases come from a single classroom, bus, or athletic team. Effective October 26, 2021, Cabarrus County Schools allows masks to be optional for students, staff, and essential visitors (e.g., school-based health, mental health, and education service providers). The district will continue to limit other visitors to schools and other buildings. On October 11, 2021, the Cabarrus County Board of Education decided the district can make masks optional after three key metrics are achieved in the county: 1) percent positive weekly rate must be less than 8%, 2) number of positive cases in the last 14 days must be 547, and 3) there must be less than 36 hospitalizations. On January 10, 2022, the Cabarrus County Board of Education voted to return to a mandatory mask policy.
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Kannapolis City SchoolsOIn March 2022, the Kannapolis City Board of Education voted to continue optional masking. Having previously voted on July 29, 2021, to make masks optional, on August 9, 2021, the Board voted to require masks indoors for all students, staff, and visitors. In February 2022, the Board voted to move the district to optional masking.
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Caldwell County SchoolsOOn February 11, 2022, the Caldwell County Board of Education voted to make masks optional.On August 27, 2021, Caldwell County Schools announced on Twitter that masks would be required indoors for students, staff, and visitors. This action reversed the July 26 optional mask policy adopted by the Board. Masks are not required for athletes engaged in indoor sports and for outdoor activities. The Board voted to have masking determination made by the Superintendent, using a calculated weekly percentage representing students and staff who tested positive for COVID during a given week. This percentage will be reported weekly, and a three-week rolling average of this percentage will serve as the face masking metric to determine the face masking status for the following week. Face masks will be required when this metric exceeds 0.5% for a three-week rolling average. On November 8, 2021, the Board voted to approve the face coverings policy (Policy 4231/5021/7263), which defines parameters that determine whether face masks are required or optional. Face masks will be required whenever the COVID positivity rate for students and staff exceeds 0.5% within a three-week rolling average. Face Coverings on buses and other school transportation are required per federal mandate.
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Camden County SchoolsOOn March 10, 2022, the Camden County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for students, staff, and visitors in all settings and while on school transportation vehicles, including school buses, vans and other group school transportation.
On September 2, 2021, the Board reversed its August 12, 2021, optional mask policy. On October 14, 2021, the Board adopted a formal policy on face coverings. All individuals, including students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, must wear face coverings at all times while inside of school buildings during the instructional day when minimal physical distancing cannot be accomplished or on school transportation vehicles, including school buses, vans, and other group school transportation. On January 18, 2022, the Board amended its face covering policy to be optional on a school-by-school basis, based on quarantine metrics.
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Carteret County Public SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Carteret County Board of Education voted to continue its optional mask policy. Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson also announced that masks are no longer required on school buses under new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.On August 18, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 28, 2021, optional mask policy and require masks for students and staff during the 2021-2022 school year. On September 23, 2021, the Board passed a motion that schools make masks optional for all students, staff, and visitors based on the county’s positivity rate. On October 5, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional once the county positivity rate consistently dropped below 5%. Following an October 29, 2021, announcement from the Carteret County Health Department that the county’s positivity rate had dropped to 4.6%, the wearing of masks in schools became optional. Wearing masks on school buses is still required, per the current CDC order. On November 3, 2021, the Board voted to move from an optional mask policy based on positivity rates to an optional mask policy.
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Caswell County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Caswell County Board of Education voted to move to the OPTIONAL WEARING OF MASKS in Caswell County Schools. Wearing masks on school buses remains mandatory.On August 9, 2021, the Board approved requiring all students, teachers, staff, and other adults to wear a mask in school buildings, on school buses, and anywhere indoors regardless of vaccination status. Per Board discussion on September 13, 2021, the Board requested that specific consequences for not wearing a mask be posted so that the public is aware that it is addressed in the Student Code of Conduct.
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Catawba County SchoolsOOn January 24, 2022, the Catawba County Board of Education approved making face masks optional for students, staff and visitors.On August 31, 2021, the Board reversed its July 26, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to make masks mandatory for all staff, students, and visitors while inside school facilities and on school buses. On December 6, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional inside all CCS facilities for all staff, students, and visitors. Masks will continue to be required on all buses, per the current CDC order. The Board also approved district participation in the ABC Science Collaborative/Duke University Health System study, “Test to Stay in School: COVID-19 Testing Following Exposure in K-12 School Communities.” On January 14, 2022, the Board voted to make face masks mandatory for all staff, students, and visitors while inside our facilities and on our school buses, under the same policy previously enacted.
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Hickory Public SchoolsOOn February 23, 2022, the Hickory Public Schools Board of Education voted to make masks optional.
On August 9, 2021, the Board voted to require masks for all PreK-12 students, staff, and visitors for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Students and staff are required to wear masks inside all school facilities. Each month, going forward, the Board will review with Catawba County Public Health the status of the community spread of COVID-19 or any variant of the virus. Masks requirements will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
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Newton Conover City SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Newton-Conover City Board of Education voted to keep masks optional for all staff members, students, and visitors. On September 3, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require staff, students, and visitors to wear masks while indoors on school campuses. Face coverings are also still required to be worn on school transportation. On December 6, 2021, the Board voted to make face coverings optional for students and staff, beginning January 2022.
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Chatham County SchoolsOOn February 24, 2022, the Chatham County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in classrooms. Masking on school transportation is still required.On August 5, 2021, the Board voted to continue universal masking for students and staff for the 2021-2022 school year. The requirement matches recommendations from NCDHHS, the ABC Science Collaborative, and the Chatham County Public Health Department. On February 14, 2022, the Board voted that athletes will not be required to wear masks during sporting events.
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Cherokee County SchoolsOOn March 17, 2022, the Cherokee Board of Education voted to continue its optional mask policy for all students and staff. News Channel 9: Cherokee County Schools has reversed its mask optional policy. Starting September 2, 2021, masks will be required in all Cherokee County Schools. On October 21, 2021, the Board voted to make face coverings optional for all students and staff.
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Edenton-Chowan Public SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education decided to begin a transition to optional masking in its schools. On August 31, 2021, the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education reversed its optional mask policy. The Board voted that students must wear a mask this school year in all indoor settings in all schools, including buses, classrooms, locker rooms, and weight rooms.
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Clay County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Clay County Board of Education approved the removal of the current face mask requirement. It is important to remember that due to federal laws that govern public transportation, face coverings are still required when students and staff are riding buses.On August 18, 2021, the Board reversed its July 26, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require all staff and students to wear masks while inside school buildings in order to prevent quarantines and remote instruction as much as possible. Students will also be required to wear a mask while riding a bus. On November 15, 2021, the Board approved to move from mandated face masks to optional masks for staff and students. On January 11, 2022, the Board voted in an emergency meeting to reinstate the mask mandate.
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Cleveland County SchoolsOJanuary 4, 2022, website post: "Mask-wearing is optional for all students and staff of Cleveland County Schools. Those students wishing to continue wearing masks may absolutely do so, but teachers and school administrators are not required to manage mask-wearing for students. However, the state of North Carolina will still require masks to be worn during bus transportation."On August 18, 2021, the Board reversed its July 26, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks indoors during instructional time and to allow parents to have exemptions for medical or behavioral conditions. On November 8, 2021, the Board voted to return to an optional mask policy.
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Columbus County SchoolsOOn February 7, 2022, The Columbus County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 20, 2021, the Board reversed its optional mask policy and voted to require all students and staff, as well as any visitors on CCS properties, to wear a mask in all indoor areas. All students and staff are required to wear a mask on any school district transportation. On November 8, 2021, the Board voted to give students the option to wear masks “when engaged in aerobic activity”. Activity may be part of an interscholastic competition or a daily PE class. Spectators will still be required to wear masks. On January 10, 2022, the Board modified the policy to tell principals to find ways to give students mask breaks.
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Whiteville City SchoolsOOn March 14, 2022, the Whiteville City Board of Education voted to keep face coverings optional.Effective August 23, 2021, the Board reversed its optional mask policy and all staff and students of Whiteville City Schools must wear a face covering while indoors and while being transported in vehicles owned by Whiteville City Schools. On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to repeal the mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors starting in January 2022. On January 10, 2022, the Board Voted to reinstate its mask mandate. On February 14, 2022, the Board voted to make face coverings optional for students, staff, and visitors.
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Craven County SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Craven County Board of Education voted to switch to "masks optional". On August 17, 2021, the Board updated its school COVID safety requirements as follows: 1) all students and staff in grades Prek-13 will be required to wear masks, 2) all employees will be required to wear masks at all Craven County School offices and buildings, and 3) visitors and and volunteers will not be permitted on campus to help mitigate the spread of COVID. On October 21, 2021, the Board voted to allow visitors back into the schools. On November 18, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional. On January 6, 2022, the Board voted to switch to "masks required".
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Cumberland County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022, the Cumberland County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy.Previously, Cumberland County Schools required all students, staff, and visitors to wear face masks at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. On February 8, 2022, the Board voted to make masks optional.
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Currituck County SchoolsOOn February 9, 2022, the Currituck County Board of Education voted to make masks optional.The Outer Banks Voice: On August 27, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 28, 2021, optional mask vote and mandate masks in its buildings. The mask mandate will apply to indoor school events as well. On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional, effective January 18, 2022. Masks would still be required for athletes when they are not actively participating in the sport. On January 13, 2022, the Board voted to delay making masks optional.
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Dare County SchoolsOOn February 8, 2022, the Dare County Board of Education voted to rescind the mask requirement. Face coverings will still be mandated on school buses and transportation, due to state and federal requirements.On September 1, 2021, the Board reversed its August 5, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks indoors. Anyone who enters a school district facility must wear a face mask. On November 9, 2021, the Board voted unanimously to not require athletes to wear face coverings during competition in indoor sports including wrestling, basketball, indoor track, and cheerleading. Athletes, while not competing, as well as spectators and visitors, are required to wear face coverings during events.
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Davidson County SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022, the Davidson County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy.WFMY NEWS 2: On August 23, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to mandate masks in school buildings for the next four weeks. On February 14, 2022, the Board voted to make masks optional.
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Lexington City SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Lexington City Board of Education voted to make masks optional in schools. Masks will also be optional on buses.On August 3, 2021, the Board voted to require all persons on all school property and school transportation to wear masks for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year. The Board also decided to have all athletes participating in sports and students involved in all school extracurricular activities to be tested, and schools will follow all State and CDC guidelines.
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Thomasville City SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Thomasville City Board of Education voted to drop mask mandates for staff, students, and visitors. Thomasville Times: On January 11, 2022, the Thomasville City Board of Education voted to extend its mask mandate for the next 30 days.
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Davie County SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Davie County Board of Education voted to make masks optional.On August 16, 2021, the Board reversed its July 29, 2021, decision for optional masks in schools due to an increase in COVID-19 cases and voted to require masks for all students and staff. On November 2, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for all staff and students. All forms of school transportation will still require masks, as this is federally controlled. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to reinstate required masking.
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Duplin County SchoolsOOn February 19, 2022, the Duplin County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for Kindergarten - Grade 13 students, staff, and visitors. However, please note that due to current federal regulations, masks will still be required for all students and staff on buses and other school transportation. Federal regulations also require PreK students and staff to continue to wear masks.WNCT9 news: A July 29, 2021, press release by Duplin County Schools states “Considering all current data, Duplin County Schools will continue district-wide universal masking in all grades pre-k through 12 (unless medical or developmental conditions prohibit use)." On November 16, 2021, the Duplin County Board of Education voted to adjust the universal mask policy: masks are no longer required on outdoor playgrounds/play areas.
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Durham Public SchoolsOOn March 24, 2022, the Durham Public Schools Board of Education voted to recommend rather than require the wearing of face coverings across the district, effective April 11. The motion passed 4-2 after a previous motion to move to “mask recommended” on April 4–a week earlier–failed 3-3.Durham Public Schools website: "All students, teachers, staff members and adult visitors must wear masks on buses and while inside school buildings during the regular school day."
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Edgecombe County Public SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Edgecombe County Board of Education voted to allow mask wearing to be “optional” for students, staff, and visitors on school grounds and inside all ECPS facilities. ECPS will still require masks for students and staff while on school buses, school activity buses, vans, Driver’s Education cars, and all other public school related transportation while we continue to review the data.On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to approve the following mask mandate: "Approval of the Mask Mandates that all Students (Grades PreK-13), Staff, and Visitors be Required to Wear Masks in All Group Transportation Including Buses, Vans, Driver’s Education, Cars, etc., On School Grounds, and Inside All ECPS Facilities Regardless of Vaccination Status; With the Exception of the Basketball Players on the Floor Having the Option to Not Wear a Mask While Engaged in Play During the Game"
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Winston-Salem/Forsyth County SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education voted make masks optional.On July 28, 2021, the Board voted to require masks for all students, staff, and visitors 5 years old and older in all WS/FCS buildings and means of transportation, for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 school year. Masking will be optional for indoor athletics and performing arts only while actively playing or performing. This is only for games and public performances. Masks remain mandatory during practices or while waiting to actively play or perform.
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Franklin County SchoolsOOn February 18, 2022, the Franklin County Board of Education voted to approve a shift to "masks optional" for students and staff across the district. Masks are still required on our buses, as this is a federal mandate.WRAL.com: On August 9, 2021, the Franklin County Board of Education voted for masks to be required indoors at all times for all students and staff in Franklin County Schools. Students can ask for a mask exemption if they have a medical reason. Masks will also be required during all extracurricular activities, including sports and band.
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Gaston County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Gaston County Board of Education voted to maintain its current procedure related to face coverings/masks. The wearing of a face covering/mask while inside a Gaston County Schools facility will continue to be optional. Students/drivers are required to wear a face covering/mask while riding on a school bus or activity bus in accordance with federal requirements for public transportation.On August 16, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 27, 2021, decision to make masks optional and voted to require masks for students, employees, parents, and visitors inside school buildings and central office buildings, regardless of vaccination status. On November 15, 2021, the Board voted make the wearing of masks optional.
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Gates County Public Schools
O (school-by-school basis)
On March 7, 2022, the Gates County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy and also voted to make masks optional for students and staff on school buses. On July 27, 2021, the Board elected to have all staff and students in grades PreK-12 wear masks. On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to continue all students, staff, and visitors wearing masks while inside Gates County School buildings. A motion was made that masks become optional January 20, 2022, unless we have a substantial increase in local positive cases. This decision was based on a concern for potential absences during mandatory end of semester state testing. On January 20, 2022, the Board voted unanimously to continue with the mask mandate. On February 7, 2022, the Board voted to make masks optional for students and staff in grades K-12, with the following stipulations: (i) school metrics for COVID cases/quarantines must remain at 5% or under for students and staff; (ii) if more than 5% of students and staff at a school are quarantined, the school will return to mandatory masks for 7 consecutive days.
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Graham County SchoolsOOn February 1, 2022, the Graham County Board of Education voted to return to Mask Optional on all campuses for the next 30 days, with the exception that all students & drivers on school buses must wear masks (State mandate). The Board will reconvene during the month if the positivity rate of students nears 10% and will reconsider options at that time. Additionally per state quarantine guidelines, as students or staff return to school after 5 days of quarantine, they will be required to wear a mask for days 6-10. On August 30, 2021, the Board reversed its August 3, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require all students and staff wear a mask indoors with the exception of during meals and at times of physical activity. Everyone will be required to wear masks on buses at all times. On November 2, 2021, the Board voted to ease the mask mandate to optional for all students and staff. Masks will continue to be mandated on buses due to federal transportation rules. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to require masks for all students and staff.
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Granville County Public SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Granville County Board of Education voted unanimously to make masks optional. Masks are required on days 6-10 for individuals after they have tested positive or been identified as a close contact.
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Greene County SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the Greene County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. The vote was unanimous by a count of 5-0 to make masks optional for students and staff in public school buildings.On August 2, 2021, the Board voted to require masks for all students and staff. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to reinstate the mask mandate, requiring all students, staff and visitors to wear masks in schools and on buses.
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Guilford County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Guilford County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. Masks are still required on buses. On September 14, 2021, the Board adopted a formal policy to require cloth or fabric face coverings be worn by all individuals in all school settings determined to be appropriate by the Superintendent. Previously on July 27, 2021, the Board voted to require face coverings for all students and staff when the school year began in August.
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Halifax County SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022, the Halifax County Board of Education voted to make masks optional, starting March 21.On December 6, 2021, the Board approved a vote on the superintendent's recommendation for masks to be worn inside all Halifax County Schools buildings.
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Roanoke Rapids Graded School DistrictOOn February 15, 2022, the Roanoke Rapids Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 18, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its August 10, 2021, optional mask policy and to require masks for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. The Board also approved to opt into on-site COVID-19 testing for staff and students. Testing would be done only with parental permission and on an as needed basis as requested by the individual and determined by the school.
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Weldon City SchoolsOOn March 17, 2022, the Weldon City Board of Education voted to make masks optional, effective March 21.On August 3, 2021, the Board voted to require face coverings for all K-12 staff, students, and visitors (some athletic exceptions).
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Harnett County SchoolsOOn October 4, 2021, the Harnett County Board of Education renewed its commitment to an optional mask policy. It also stated that a person exposed to COVID-19 but who hasn't tested positive for the virus can return after a seven day quarantine, instead of the 10 day wait previously required and recommended by public health officials. On August 19, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy by voting to require masks in educational buildings. On September 14, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional.
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Haywood County SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Haywood County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 21, 2021, the Board reversed its July 27, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks indoors for all students, staff, and visitors. Beginning November 9, 2021, Haywood County Public Schools, in partnership with the Haywood County Health Department, will implement a new COVID-19 quarantine policy change. In certain cases, students will be required to complete a 10-day quarantine, instead of the previous 14-day quarantine period (from most recent exposure) for students and staff who are considered close contacts.
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Henderson County Public SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the Henderson County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On November 22, 2021, the Henderson County Board of Education voted to require face coverings in Pre-K-6 during instructional hours through the end of December 2021. Effective January 1, 2022, face coverings will once again become optional in Pre-K-6. Previously on November 8, 2021, the Board made face coverings optional for all students, staff, and school visitors in all HCPS school settings. Face coverings are still required while traveling on buses and all other group transportation settings, per CDC Order. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to reinstate the face covering requirement.
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Hertford County SchoolsOOn March 28, 2022, the Hertford County Board of Education voted to make masks optional, effective April 4.On July 26, 2021, the Board voted to require all students and staff to wear masks in school this upcoming school year.
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Hoke County SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Hoke County Board of Education voted to end the mask mandate. However, masks will still need to be worn on school transportation."All Hoke County Schools students will return to the classroom on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. To safely resume in-person instruction, we will continue to follow all COVID safety protocols and procedures as outlined in the updated NC Strong Schools Toolkit, including physical distancing to the greatest extent possible and consistent wearing of masks."
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Hyde County SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Hyde County Board of Education voted to move to a mask-optional policy on all school campuses and on school transportation.On September 7, 2021, the Board passed an updated face coverings policy. On November 2, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for vaccinated students and staff. Schools will be compiling a database of student vaccinations. School administration will designate staff members and procedures for this process. Booster shots do not apply. In addition, athletes will not be required to wear face coverings while actively participating in their sport, but visitors to our campus will still be asked to wear face coverings while indoors, and that still includes sporting events. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to require face-coverings indoors for everyone — staff, students and visitor.
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Iredell-Statesville SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the Iredell-Statesville Board of Education voted to make masks optional. In addition, the district will stop the exclusion of asymptomatic students/staff, whether the close contact is in school, the household, or in the community.On August 31, 2021, the Board reversed its July 28, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks in schools. On November 8, 2021, the Board voted to make face masks optional for students and staff members across the district. The board also voted to end contact tracing in schools, saying it is not required by the state and employees should not be required to do so. The Board said it would assist the health department with whatever information they need as they contact trace, but the responsibility would no longer fall to the district. Instead, it would rest solely on the health department. On January 3, 2022, the Board voted to mandate masks.
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Mooresville Graded School DistrictOOn February 8, 2022, the Mooresville Graded School District Board of Education voted to approve an optional mask policy for all students and staff. On August 5, 2021, the Board canceled its mask optional approach and required all students, staff, and visitors to wear a face covering while inside school facilities or on school buses. On November 9, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for 7-12th grade students and staff; however, if a school reaches a 1% positive rate, masks at that school will become required. Furthermore, masks will remain required for our preK-6th grade students and staff to give those parents who choose to vaccinate their children the opportunity to get them fully vaccinated. On December 14, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for all students and staff; however, if a school reaches a 1% positive rate, masks at that school will become required. Due to a Federal order by the CDC, masks are still required for all students on the bus. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to require masks in schools.
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Jackson County Public SchoolsOOn February 17, 2022, the Jackson County Board of Education voted to end the current mask mandate and make face coverings optional. It is important to note that the change will not apply to school buses due to federal legislation that requires the use of face coverings while riding in those vehicles. On July 27, 2021, the Jackson County Board of Education voted to require masks for K-12 students and staff. Effective November 17, 2021, masks are optional for indoor athletics and extracurricular activities after school hours.
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Johnston County Public SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the Johnston County Board of Education voted to make masks optional without any stipulations. "District leaders said the stipulation is no longer needed now that state health officials have revised health guidelines to end contact tracing and reduce who has to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure." Face coverings would still be required on buses as required by current federal regulations. Having previously voted for optional masks on July 29, 2021, on August 10, 2021, the Board voted for an indoor mask mandate for the upcoming school year. On February 8, 2022, the Board voted to transition to optional face coverings for all students, staff, and guests. The Board made the vote to transition to optional masking with the following addendums: (i) The district will monitor the “percent excluded” by COVID-19 at each campus or school and provide a daily report on the district’s COVID-19 dashboard on where each school stands; (ii) If a school or campus rises above 4% percent excluded, that campus will then be required to shift to required masks for the next 10 days; (iii) On day 10 at 5:00pm, the percent excluded will again be assessed and it will be determined whether or not the campus can return to optional face coverings.
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Jones County Public SchoolsOOn February 16, 2022, the Jones County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. Note that masks are required on our buses due to federal regulations.Superintendent Report: Beginning September 2, 2021, Jones County Public Schools will require masks for all grade levels. On November 22, 2021, the Board voted to make wearing masks optional in all school buildings. Masks will still be required on buses per federal law. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to return to requiring masks for students.
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Lee County SchoolsOOn February 17, 2022, the Lee County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for students and staff. On August 2, 2021, the Board voted to begin the school year requiring masks indoors for K-12 students, faculty, staff, and visitors. On November 9, 2021, the Board voted to maintain their mask mandate. If the county has 10 consecutive days of moderate COVID transmission, the Board will call a special meeting to discuss their mask policy.
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Lenoir County Public SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Lenoir County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 9, 2021, the Board voted to require face masks by everyone while inside of school buildings and on school transportation. On December 6, 2021, the Board voted to make face coverings optional for students and staff at our schools. Face coverings will still be required on buses and for visitors to schools (including attendance at indoor school activities like concerts) and for all spectators (including students) at indoor sports events. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to return to a mask mandate.
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Lincoln County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022, the Lincoln County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy.On August 17, 2021, the Board reversed its June 29, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to temporarily enforce a mask mandate for a minimum of 30 days. This temporary mask mandate is in effect for everyone inside our facilities regardless of their vaccination status or COVID recovery exposure status. On September 14, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional in schools once again. The Board also voted that Lincoln County students and staff will now no longer have to quarantine unless they are positive for COVID-19, symptomatic, or have a quarantine order from the health department.
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Macon County SchoolsOOn February 28, 2022, the Macon County Board of Education unanimously approved to continue with optional face coverings for students and staff. Optional face coverings will now extend to buses.On August 16, 2021, the Board voted to require face coverings for students and staff inside school facilities and school transportation. Face coverings will not be required outside, or during vigorous physical activity. On October 25, 2021, the Board voted to allow students and staff to have the option of wearing a face covering.
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Madison County SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Madison County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. An August 11, 2021, press release reported a reversal of the July 26, 2021, optional mask policy for Madison County Schools. On November 15, 2021, the Board approved optional face coverings in schools for students, staff, and visitors. Pursuant to federal rules, students and staff will still be required to wear a face-covering while on school buses. On December 13, 2021, the Board approved reinstatement of face covering requirement.
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Martin County SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022, the Martin County Board of Education voted to make masks optional.The Board voted that students and staff will start the 2021-2022 school year with a mask requirement.
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McDowell County SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the McDowell County Board of Education passed a motion to allow optional masks for students, staff, and visitors.On August 16, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 29, 2021, optional mask policy and to require all students and staff to wear masks when they return to class. On November 8, 2021, the McDowell County Board of Education approved the following: "If the 14 day positivity rate is 5% or lower, masks will not be required. Above 5%, face coverings are required. Decision to be made weekly on Friday."
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to lift the district’s mask mandate. The change will go into effect March 7. Masks will still be required on buses, per federal regulations.On July 30, 2021, the Board voted to make masks mandatory for the upcoming school year.
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Mitchell County SchoolsOOn February 17, 2022, the Mitchell County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in area schools for students and staff.On August 30, 2021, the Mitchell County Board of Education reversed its optional mask policy and voted to require masks when indoors and unable to social distance (6 feet or more) for all faculty and staff, unless religious or medical exempt. Mask will be required for all students unless a parent/guardian completes an opt-out form.
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Montgomery County SchoolsOOn March 7, 2022 the Montgomery County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy and to make masks optional on school buses. On August 2, 2021, the Board approved the following: Face masks will be required for all students, Pre-K-12th grade, in all buildings regardless of vaccination status. All staff, both school and district-wide support, will be required to wear a face mask in all buildings regardless of vaccinations status. Based upon the guidance of the NC Toolkit and current CDC recommendations, all students will be required to wear face masks on school buses. Face masks will NOT be required in outdoor spaces or for outdoor sports. Will follow all relevant NCHSAA guidelines for indoor sports. On February 24, 2022, the Board voted to make masks optional.
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Moore County SchoolsOOn February 14, 2022, the Moore County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in schools. Masks continue to be required on school buses, activity buses, and other school-related transportation.On August 9, 2021, the Board approved a motion to require face masks for students and staff in grades Pre-K-12 indoors at all schools and district sites; at all indoor athletic and extracurricular activities; and on all school buses and activity bus transportation. On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to transition from masks required to masks optional for all students, staff, and visitors while on school grounds. Masks will continue to be required while on school buses and activity buses. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to reinstate the requirement for masks for all students, staff, and visitors.
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Nash County Public SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Nash County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for staff, students, and visitors in all school facilities. Masks will continue to be required in school buses.Rocky Mount Telegram: The Board voted to require all Nash County Public School students and staff, in grades Pre-K-13, to wear face coverings when indoors for the 2021-2022 academic year.
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New Hanover County SchoolsOOn February 16, 2022, the New Hanover County Board of Education voted to shift the district to masks optional.The Board voted to require all students and staff in grades K-12 to wear masks at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. On December 7, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional. On January 4, 2022, the Board voted to reinstate the mask mandate. The mask mandate will apply to all students, staff, faculty, and volunteers in all Pre-K - 12 schools indoors and at all school-related events, except for athletes actively participating in sports.
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Northampton County SchoolsOOn March 14, 2022, the Northampton County Board of Education voted to go mask optional for students, staff, parents, buses, school visitors, and the community.
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Onslow County SchoolsODuring their March 1, 2022, meeting, the Onslow County Board of Education approved the following:
-Face coverings are optional for all K-12 students, staff and visitors to OCS facilities.
-Face coverings are optional on all OCS transportation for all K-12 students, staff and visitors.
-Due to federal guidelines, face coverings will continue to be required in preschool programs, including preschool transportation, until further notice.
On September 7, 2021, the Board reversed its August 10, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require face coverings for all staff, all students, and all visitors when indoors on all OCS school campuses. On November 9, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for staff and students.
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Orange County SchoolsOOn March 8, 2022 the Orange County Board of Education approved the following regarding masking: All students and staff are welcome to continue wearing a mask whenever they choose to do so, but wearing a mask will be optional in Orange County Schools indoors and on school buses. Staff will create an environment where all students'/families' and staff’s choices about masking are respected.OCS Plan A (In-Person Learning) Health & Safety Updates: Masks are required indoors for all students and staff regardless of vaccination status. On February 21, 2022, the Board voted to lift indoor school mask mandates. Masks will be made optional for students within 72 hours of the Orange County Commissioners lifting its indoor mask mandate.
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Chapel Hill-Carrboro City SchoolsOOn March 3, 2022, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Board of Education voted to drop its indoor mask mandate in favor of a “mask recommended” model — but not until April 4, the Monday after spring break. Separately, the board voted unanimously to lift the outdoor mask mandate.On August 3, 2021, the Board voted to require students and staff to wear masks indoors and out. The Board also voted to require everyone attending its public meetings to wear a mask or face covering, regardless of vaccination status, unless prevented from doing so by a medical or behavioral condition or disability; that any member of the public may enter the main meeting room to deliver public comment regardless of whether they are able to wear a mask; and that when not giving public comment, attendees not wearing masks will be seated in a satellite meeting space where they can see and hear the proceedings. In addition, the Board approved mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for students and staff who are not fully vaccinated who also participate or coach in athletics, extracurricular activities, co-curricular and student-led activities, consistent with CDC and NCDHHS guidance.
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Pamlico County SchoolsOOn February 7, 2022, the Pamlico County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy. On August 31, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks for preK-12 students, staff, and visitors in schools. Athletes in outside sports will not wear masks. Athletes in indoor sports will not wear masks while participating in the game, but athletes on the sideline will wear masks. Spectators for indoor sports will wear masks. On November 18, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional on all Pamlico County Schools campuses. Masks will still be required on buses per federal mandate.
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Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Board of Education voted to make masks optional. DailyAdvance.com: On August 2, 2021, the Board voted to have face masks worn inside all school facilities and on school buses during the upcoming school year but not outdoors on school campuses.
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Pender County SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Pender County Board of Education voted that masks remain optional in schools. Masks are also no longer mandatory on public school buses.On August 21, 2021, the Board reversed its July 23, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks, regardless of vaccination status, when inside a school facility or taking part in a school activity. On September 21, 2021, the Board voted to make face coverings optional when on school grounds. Masks will continued to be worn on Pender County school buses. Additionally, Pender County Schools personnel will not issue quarantine orders. All quarantine and isolation orders are the responsibility of the Pender County Health Director. School personnel will continue to share information with the Pender County Health Director and Health Department and to exclude students and staff consistent with Federal and State laws and regulations.
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Perquimans County SchoolsOOn February 15, 2022, the Perquimans County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 31, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require students, staff, and visitors to wear a mask while inside school facilities.
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Person County SchoolsOOn February 17, 2022, the Person County Board of Education voted to make mask usage optional for students and staff.On August 12, 2021, the Board voted to require masks for students and teachers in schools.
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Pitt County SchoolsOOn February 7, 2022, the Pitt County Board of Education voted to return to a mask optional policy.On August 16, 2021, the Board decided that masks will be required to be worn inside Pitt County Schools buildings and on transportation by students, staff, and visitors. On January 3, 2022, the Board voted in favor of reinstating their mask mandate.
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Polk County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Polk County Board of Education voted to make masks optional.On September 7, 2021, the Board reversed its August 2, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require all students attending Polk County Schools to wear a face covering during the school day. On January 10, 2022, the Board voted to continue requiring masks until the county transmission rate drops below the high transmission category, according to CDC guidelines, for seven days.
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Randolph County SchoolsORandolph County Schools continue to allow optional masking. On August 29, 2021, the Board reversed its July 19, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require face coverings be worn whenever students are around others in classrooms or on buses. Students will not have to wear them when participating in extracurricular activities. Fox 8: On November 2, 2021, the Board voted to move to optional face masks.
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Asheboro City SchoolsOOn February 10, 2022, the Asheboro City Board of Education voted to go mask optional.On August 12, 2021, the Board voted to require masks be worn by students and staff inside school buildings to start the school year.
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Richmond County SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Richmond County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for all students and staff.On August 3, 2021, the Board unanimously voted to approve mandatory universal masking for all Pre-K through 12th-grade students and staff.
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Public Schools of Robeson CountyOOn February 22, 2022, the Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. On August 2, 2021, the Board voted to approve a requirement for students and staff to wear face masks while inside the school buildings, regardless of vaccination status, to start the 2021-2022 academic year. 
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Rockingham County SchoolsOOn January 10, 2022, the Rockingham County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy.On August 20, 2021, the Board reversed its August 9, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks for the beginning of the school year. On December 13, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional at all RCS campuses and facilities. Rockingham County Schools employees will no longer engage in contact tracing. Per CDC guidelines, masks will still be required on school transportation.
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Rowan-Salisbury SchoolsOOn February 28, 2022, the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy and to make masks optional on school buses. On August 17, 2021, the Board reversed its July 12, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require all students, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks inside in all school buildings and on all school buses. On October 25, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for all students, staff, and visitors. Wearing masks will still be required on Rowan-Salisbury School System buses.
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Rutherford County SchoolsOOn February 18, 2022, the Rutherford County Board of Education voted to make face coverings optional for students, school employees, and visitors to all Rutherford County Schools facilities, both indoors and outdoors, except as otherwise required by federal orders governing school buses and Head Start programs.On August 26, 2021, the Board reversed its August 3, 2021, optional mask policy and voted to require masks for students, employees, and visitors within the classroom setting. On November 2, 2021, the Board adopted the following: 1. Face coverings are required for students, school employees, and visitors within the classroom setting while Rutherford County is classified as a “High” transmission zone on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Transmission Map; 2. Face coverings are optional for students, school employees, and visitors within the classroom setting while Rutherford County is classified as a “Substantial,” “Moderate,” or “Low” transmission zone on the CDC's Map. 3. Rutherford County Schools will transition between the required and optional use of face coverings following Rutherford County’s reclassification on the CDC's Map for a period of seven consecutive calendar days. This action does not alter the required use of face coverings by all occupants of white and yellow school buses as prescribed by a federal order.
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Sampson County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Sampson County Board of Education voted to make masks optional. Regardless of mask policies, students and staff must wear masks on buses, vans, and other group school transportation per federal law.On August 17, 2021, the Board voted to reverse its July 26, 2021, optional mask policy and require masks for students and staff. On October 19, 2021, the Board reverted to a masks optional policy for all schools except Sampson Early College High School, due to a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases in the district schools. The early college will continue to abide by the policies set forth by Sampson Community College. Face masks will be optional while students and teachers are in the classroom and while outdoors. As students move in the halls, transitioning from the classroom to other parts of the building, face masks are still mandated. Per CDC Order, students are also still mandated to wear face masks on school buses or other school transportation. On December 7, 2021, the Board voted to make masks optional for students and staff in all locations (classrooms, hallways, etc.) except on buses. On January 13, 2022, the Board modified its mask policy from optional to mandatory masks for all schools.
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Clinton City SchoolsOOn February 22, 2022, the Clinton City Board of Education voted to end the mask mandate. Clinton City students will still need to wear masks on school buses and other transportation.On August 20, 2021, the Clinton City Board of Education replaced its July 28, 2021, optional mask policy with a hybrid required mask policy. Students, staff, parents, and visitors will be required to wear a mask while indoors in a closed environment, such as classrooms, offices, and media centers. However, face coverings will not be required in “transitional times” throughout the school day, such as arriving at or departing from school, moving from one classroom to another, or when in the bathroom. Students also won’t be required to wear a mask when participating in physical activity indoors.
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Scotland County SchoolsOOn February 28, 2022, the Scotland County Board of Education voted to make masks optional in schools and on buses. On July 26, 2021, the Board voted to require masks for all students and staff.
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Stanly County SchoolsOOn March 1, 2022, the Stanly County Board of Education voted to continue its mask optional policy, including on buses.On August 3, 2021, the Board approved the following resolution: "While inside school buildings and other enclosed spaces utilized for student learning, field trips or enrichment activities, face coverings will be required for all employees and students for the 2021-2022 school year until the positivity rate for Stanly County falls below 7.9% during a consecutive two week period." On October 25, 2021, Stanly County Schools announced it will allow the wearing of face coverings to be optional, due to the COVID-19 positivity rate for Stanly County falling below 7.9%. The Stanly County Board of Education had granted the Superintendent the authority to relax or increase restrictions concerning mask requirements in correlation to the positivity rate increase/decrease.
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Stokes County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Stokes County Board of Education voted to make masks optional for most students. The following groups must still wear masks at this time: (i) students who have tested positive and quarantined at home for five days can return to school on days 6-10 but must wear a mask, (ii) students riding school transportation, (iii) students will continue to adhere to the masking policies set by Forsyth Tech when taking their classes. On August 31, 2021, the July 27, 2021, optional mask policy was reversed. Masks will be required in all Stokes County Schools buildings, buses and vans when occupied by students. On November 15, 2021, the Board voted to implement an optional mask policy, based on approved metrics, beginning January 4, 2022. Masks will be required within a school building during the instructional day if the exclusion (quarantine and isolation) rate exceeds 5%. When a school’s exclusion rate exceeds 5%, masks will be required for students, staff, and visitors until such a time when the exclusion rate falls below 5%. Exclusion rate is the percentage of a school population in quarantine or isolation. Data will be captured at noon and announced by 1:00 pm for the following day.
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Surry County SchoolsOOn February 21, 2022, the Surry County Board of Education passed a motion that Surry County Schools make masks optional for all students, staff, and visitors.On August 2, 2021, the Board voted in favor of a mask mandate that will be in effect for the first month of school. On November 1, 2021, the Surry County Board of Education approved new masking procedures beginning for middle and high school students. The mask status will be decided, school by school. The district says when a single school building has more than 5% of its population in quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, masks will be required until that rate drops below 5% for 14 consecutive days. Masks will continue to be required on buses.