Feb 22, 2022

State's largest school district delays end to mask mandate

Posted Feb 22, 2022 10:00 PM
Board members during Tuesday special meeting on masks-photo USD 259
Board members during Tuesday special meeting on masks-photo USD 259

SEDGWICK COUNTY — During a special Tuesday afternoon meeting, board members for USD 259-Wichita, the state's largest school district, voted to remove the mask mandate effective end of day Thursday, March 10. The district spring break is the following week.

In August, the board unanimously approved a mask mandate for all district buildings. It went into effect August 30.

Photo USD 259
Photo USD 259

During Tuesday's special meeting, board members listened to speakers in favor of and against the mandate. 

The board voted on February 7 against a proposal to immediately remove the district's mask mandate and make masks optional.

Photo USD 259
Photo USD 259

Despite Tuesday vote, the federal mandate still requires masks on school buses and school district transportation.