OCPS given 48 hours to create mask opt-out policy

The Florida State Board of Education issued an order to Orange County Public Schools Tuesday, Oct. 12, that gave the School Board 48 hours to document compliance to a mask opt-out option for parents.

Among the findings, the Board of Education said OCPS’ masking/face-covering policy “does not comply with Florida Department of Health Emergency Rule 64DER21-15, Protocols for Controlling COVID-19 in School Settings.” That rule requires public schools to “allow for a parent or legal guardian of the student to opt the student out of wearing a face covering or mask at the parent or legal guardian’s sole discretion.”

The School Board was given 48 hours to provide documentation or face financial penalties. School Board officials had to provide “the current annual compensation provided to all school board members.” All School Board members have an annual salary of $47,189.

OCPS’ most recent mask mandate was put in place until Oct. 30.