ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education voted Monday not to require masks for students, staff and faculty for the upcoming school year.
Multiple members of the Rockingham County community spoke out during public comment period. Most of the speakers wanted the Board to make face coverings optional. A handful of speakers preferred a mandate.
Lisa Thomas said her daughter’s grades were affected negatively due to virtual learning and was not in support of masks for the upcoming school year.
“My hope today is that you make mask wearing optional,” Thomas said.
Dr. Lindsey Bridges said it's best the school system uses every tool available to protect students, saying she was in favor of masks being required in school buildings.
The two largest districts in the Triad Guilford and Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County schools will both require masks.
Randolph and Davidson County schools are among districts that will not require masks for kids in the classroom.
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