Flagstaff Unified School District voted Monday to end its mask mandate after the CDC updated its mask recommendation guidelines last week.
The new guidelines say that Coconino County is a “medium” transmission level, which Flagstaff Unified Superintendent Michael Penca cited when bringing the change to a governing board vote.
“With new metrics and community levels that no longer correspond with the last motion, the Board President and I felt it necessary to call a special meeting as soon as possible to consider further amending our district’s mask requirement,” said Penca.
The district voted last week to drop the mask requirement after its spring break, which ends March 21.
Penca says face coverings are still encouraged.
“Individuals may choose to wear a mask at any time, and to their comfort level, and decisions to mask, or not mask, should be supported and respected,” said Penca.
Flagstaff Unified School District represents over 9,000 students in 15 schools.
The final vote was 3-2 in favor of dropping the mandate.
