BPS School Board Votes to Make Masks Optional at All Brevard Public Schools Beginning June 4
By Space Coast Daily // May 21, 2021
BPS School Board votes 4-1 to make masks optional
ABOVE VIDEO: Replay of Friday’s BPS Board Meeting.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The School Board of Brevard County convened a special board meeting following the latest guidance issued from the CDC to discuss the mask mandate which has been in place since March of 2020. During this meeting board members voted 4-1 in favor of making masks voluntary after the end of this school year.
This will include any school activities after June 3, 2021. The Board detailed the timelines in which this decision will take place.
Board members will continue to follow the current recommendations of both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to keep masking policies in place for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year which ends on June 3, 2021.
Graduation ceremonies will also follow current masking policies as they are part of the current school year. The district will continue with safety protocols including enhanced cleaning measures and other risk mitigation strategies.
School Board members reminded the public that masks are not required for graduation ceremonies as long as students and family members in attendance abide by social distancing guidelines.
“Since March 2020 the School Board and Superintendent have followed science to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Today, the board again followed the science in making their decision. The board, Dr. Mullins and school leaders will continue to work tirelessly to keep our learning environment safe for everyone who enters our schools,” said Russell Bruhn, Chief Strategic Communications Officer for Brevard Public Schools.
Parents who would feel more comfortable with a flexible, virtual option for their children’s education are encouraged to research Brevard Virtual School (BVS).
BVS offers enhanced resources and work with families to identify children’s learning needs and help customize a schedule and coursework to help each student reach their full potential. Brevard Virtual School is enrolling now through July 16, 2021.
School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, representing District 3, was the only ‘no’ vote to end the mask wearing mandate.
Brevard County Area High School Graduation Ceremony Schedule and Venues
THURSDAY, MAY 27
■ Eau Gallie High School, Eau Gallie Commodores Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Heritage High School, Roberto Clemente Sports Complex, 7 p.m.
■ Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School, Space Coast Jr. High Stadium, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 28
■ Viera High School, Hawk Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
■ Bayside High School, Bayside High Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Cocoa High School, Richard “Dick” Blake Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School, USSSA Fields, 7 p.m.
■ Melbourne High School, Tom McIntyre Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Merritt Island High School, The O-Dome, 7 p.m.
■ Rockledge High School, McLarty Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Titusville High School, Al Werneke Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, King Center, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 29
■ Palm Bay Magnet High School, Palm Bay High Stadium, 9 a.m.
■ Brevard Virtual School, Clearlake Gym, 11 a.m.
■ Adult & Community Education, Palm Bay High Stadium, 5 p.m.
■ Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School, Cocoa Beach High Commons, 6 p.m.
■ Astronaut High School, Storey-Taylor Stadium, 7 p.m.
■ Satellite High School, Satellite High Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
You can watch the graduation ceremonies live on Space Coast Daily TV.
