Volusia County could soon require masks for students this year

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County could join the list of school districts mandating masks for student this school year.

Orange and Seminole counties decided to make the change last week and give parents the ability to opt out with a note.

Some board members in Volusia County favor mirroring that policy. While it’s not an item on Tuesday’s agenda, it’s one some board members feel must be brought up.

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“This thing is real. This thing is spreading, and everyone really needs to look out for themselves,” said school board member Carl Persis.

The current policy in Volusia County allows parents to choose the option of deciding whether to mask their children or not.

Some parents said masks are uncomfortable to wear, hard to breathe in, rarely worn properly and say it should ultimately be their right to decide their children’s health needs.

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There are also questions, such as who will compile the list of excused students, how it will be shared among staff and how it will be enforced.

The teachers union is surveying its members on masks, vaccines and other matters, and those results are not yet available.

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