By: Camryn Johnson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Face masks are now optional for students, faculty and staff in the Fayetteville Public Schools district.
The policy came as a result of a unanimous vote by the School Board February 24 and will go into effect immediately. Masks are still “strongly recommended,” but will be required on school buses and any other public transportation vehicles.
The previous mandate was automatically reinstated January 5 as a result of increasing COVID cases. However, Superintendent John Colbert said he supported the policy revision following a significant drop in positive cases across the region.
School Board President Nika Waitsman said the School Board will continue to monitor the situation closely, but that dropping the mask mandate is a step in the direction of moving from a “pandemic mindset to an epidemic mindset.” For more information, visit https://district.fayar.net/.