Volusia County

Parents react to Volusia County school leaders mandating face masks for all students

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — As dozens of parent protesters chanted “No more masks,” Volusia County school board members voted for a temporary mandatory mask mandate for all students.

The change didn’t go over well with some parents.

“We’re against mask mandates,” one parent said. “She needs cues from her teacher.”

Photos: Volusia Public Schools mask mandate debate

“I’m not shocked, but very disappointed,” another parent said.

School leaders said their decision came down to health and safety.

As of Tuesday, there were 824 reported coronavirus cases since the school year started two weeks ago, compared to just 87 at the same time last year.

Also, Channel 9 found out only one-third of the students eligible to get the COVID-19 shot are vaccinated.

READ: Woman arrested for using fake COVID-19 vaccination card, Moderna misspelled on card

Outside Woodward Elementary, parents Channel 9 spoke with were fine with masks being required for all.

“I think it is appropriate. It’s for our kids more than anybody else,” said Pedro Guzman.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Kiana Figueroa. “The first two weeks just started and four people here already caught COVID.”

The school board made its face mask mandate temporary while Tallahassee deals with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order.

READ: Lake, Seminole school districts to debate face mask mandate

Last week, a judge ruled his order to make masks optional unconstitutional.

The judge hasn’t published a written opinion. That means it’s not yet official. It also means DeSantis can’t appeal the rulings as he said he would.

The school board agreed on a grace period before the mandate takes place, so masks won’t be required until next week.

Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.