Union County Public Schools leaders vote to keep masks optional

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County School Board voted 7-2 on Thursday night to keep masks optional.

The topic of masks in school is a divisive one, and deputies had to use a line of police caution tape to separate parents with opposing views outside the school board meeting.

Masks will remain optional in @UCPSNC in a 7-2 vote @wsoctv
— Genevieve Curtis (@GenevieveWSOC9) November 5, 2021

[COUNTY BY COUNTY: Local school districts’ mask, quarantine policies]

There has not been a mask mandate this school year in the district.

Some parents continue to demand a mask mandate, saying students have missed too many days of school. They argue that if masks were required, students wouldn’t need to quarantine as often.

Other parents say masking up should be a personal choice and that their kids are happier without the masks.

[ALSO READ: ‘We are scared for our kids’: Masks stay optional in Union County Public Schools]

State health officials and the CDC recommend masks in schools but Gov. Roy Cooper is leaving it up for districts to decide. Under state law, school boards have to revisit the issue every 30 days.

>> In the video at the top of this page, hear from parents who voiced their opinions at the school board meeting.

(Watch the video below: Some parents frustrated over Union County school’s handling of COVID exposures)