VCSB – Masks Remain Optional & Uniform Policy Scrapped

DeLand, FL – The Volusia County School Board (VCSB) heard from many parents on both sides of the mask issue before yesterday’s (July 27) meeting. Superintendent Dr. Fritz brought in Patricia Boswell from the Florida Department of Health-Volusia (FDOH-Volusia) to talk about the current COVID-19 surge. VCSB is leaving the mask policy as-is for now. They are optional.  Volusia United Educators President Elizabeth Albert said she is recommending that teachers and other school staff use all tools available to minimize risk, including face coverings. "The bottom line for us is that we want folks to remain safe. We want our teachers, our staff, our students, our families to all be safe. Part of remaining safe is utilizing all the tools you have at your disposal." Another item that many parents have been asking about is the uniform policy. VCSB voted to do away with the uniform policy for this upcoming school year but that doesn’t mean there’s no dress code. Albert said teachers are a part of enforcing school policies. "Our teachers will follow school board policy, the dress code is part of the policy so we want to make sure we are following the rules. What we know is that students need to be in the classroom in order to learn and that is our primary goal." Albert said there was some discussion on remote learning but no decisions were made. She said they are waiting on more information and how it will work if quarantine situations arise. Albert did ask if PPE for the classrooms and other cleaning efforts would continue because they are necessary. The cost would be a budget item and the VCSB is still working on that. For parents, you can now find information on "Meet the Teacher" and "Open House Schedules at vcsedu.org.