ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Rockingham County Schools voted to continue their mask policy Monday at their monthly board meeting, according to school officials.
Board members voted 4 to 3 to continue its mask mandate originally enacted back on August 20.
According to a Rockingham County Schools spokesperson, the board will vote again at the October board meeting. The current mandate requires staff and students to wear masks while inside school buildings.
Last week the district confirmed 123 new COVID-19 cases among students. Right now, 1,087 students are in quarantine. The district said 16 new COVID-19 cases are among staff. They also said 57 staff members are in quarantine.
Previously, the district said 101 students tested positive for COVID-19 from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. School leaders also, reported 11 staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during the same time period as students.
The board of education recently voted 4-3 to mandate the wearing of masks in schools for students and staff.
School officials said Monday’s vote is not for the entire school year.
Miguel Clark, parent, addressed his concerns to the board for his students’ safety during public comment Monday.
“I am concerned about the health, well-being and safety of my children,” Clark said.
Rockingham County Schools student True Young said parents who don’t believe in mask mandates and push them on students are “selfish”.
