Duval County public school students will be required to wear masks when they return to class after the Labor Day weekend — unless they have a doctor’s note — and those who don’t follow the district’s guidelines will face discipline.
After soliciting input from medical professionals and members of the community, the Duval County School Board approved a mask mandate with a medical opt-out during an Aug. 23 emergency meeting. The mask rule starts September 7 and lasts for 90 days.
Under the new policy, students must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times while inside a school or on school transportation, except while eating or while participating in outdoor activities. If a student doesn’t comply with this requirement, the following disciplinary actions may be taken:
First Occurrence
- School will provide a face mask to the student
- Student will complete Face Mask Safety Contract with Mask Expectation – Requires Student and Parent Signature
Second Occurrence
- Student sent to discipline office
- Student coded for 1.06 Nonconformity to General Code of Appearance
- Parent contacted
- Parent Conference (Virtual or In-Person)
Third Occurrence
- Student sent to discipline office
- Student coded for 2.01 Failure to Adhere to Safety Consideration
- In-School Suspension (1-2 Days)
Fourth Occurrence
- Student sent to discipline office
- Student coded for 2nd 2.01 Failure to Adhere to Safety Consideration
- Out of School Suspension (1-3 Days); Parent Conference Encouraged
According to the Student Code of Conduct, violations of the dress code policy could also result in exclusion from athletics and other extracurricular activities.
If a student has a medical, physical or psychological condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, parents or guardians can provide a doctor’s note to get an exemption.
The medical “opt out” form is available here.
Brendan Rivers can be reached at brivers@wjct.org, 904-358-6396 or on Twitter at @BrendanRivers.
