No masks for kids. That was the response from Governor DeSantis when asked on Tuesday what should be the directive for school districts across the state next fall.
"Our direction is relatively simple...have a normal school year."
That statement was followed by applause from the people with the governor at a private Catholic school in Jacksonville.
While not issuing any executive orders related to face coverings in schools, the governor pointed out that a lot of private schools have had a normal school year, and he feels that's what public schools should like like for the 2021/22 school year.
"These kids do not need to be wearing masks, okay? I'm sorry, they don't. We need to be able to let them be kids and let them act normally. And that's what should be the case in the fall (and) throughout the school year."
The Palm Beach County School District plans to keep its mask policy in place for the rest of this school year, but has not announced any changes for next year.
The Martin County School Board is holding an emergency meeting on Wednesday to decide whether or not to continue requiring masks this year. They expect to make face coverings optional next school year.
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