Naysimone

Palm Beach County School Board votes to make masks mandatory, removes parent opt-out

The Palm Beach County School Board voted 6-1 late Wednesday to approve a 90-day emergency adoption making masks mandatory for all students.

The only exemption is for those who fall under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) or those with a 504 plan.

According to school district officials, a 504 plan is created by a 504 team and is a temporary plan to assist a student with accommodations that don’t fall under disability.

Interim Superintendent Michael Burke had discretion on the emergency adoption, but said this will begin on Monday, so they have time to let parents and principals know.

The only board member opposed was District 1’s Barbara McQuinn.

Palm Beach County joins the following districts that also have mandatory mask mandates: Broward, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough and Alachua.