During an emergency meeting this afternoon, the School Board voted 5-2 to recognize a law that expires on August 1, requiring schools to provide in-person instruction (something Stafford has done since early August 2021) and adhere to CDC recommendations, which include wearing face masks to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Students eating or drinking, playing an instrument, on playground equipment, those with trouble breathing, or with a religious exemption don’t have to wear them, the School Board decided.

The meeting will take place at the school administration headquarters, 31 Stafford Avenue as one of his first acts after his inauguration on Saturday, January 15, Youngkin signed an executive order declaring parents had a right to choose whether or not their child wears a mask at school.

In August, Stafford County schools required facemasks for everyone inside school buildings, saying the division is abiding by a law signed by Gov. Ralph Northam that mandates schools must provide in-person instruction following nearly two years of virtual education.