MOCO Schools Mask Vote Expected At Board Of Ed Meeting March 8

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A vote to make masking optional in Montgomery County Public Schools is expected at the Board of Education meeting March 8, the district said in an announcement Saturday.

The Maryland State Board of Education lifted its mandate last week, leaving the decision up to individual districts.

"At a time when Maryland has the lowest COVID-19 metrics in the country, this is a major step for normalcy and the well-being of our students," said Gov. Larry Hogan after the state school board vote.

The Montgomery County indoor masking mandate ended Feb. 22. That decision did not affect masking in schools, which is decided by the Board of Education. Businesses in Montgomery County can still require masks for their customers, the county said in a news release.

"We ask everyone to respect the decisions made by individuals who continue to wear masks and the rules instituted by businesses, health care and service providers and venues located in Montgomery County," said Council President Gabe Albornoz in a news release when it lifted. "The Council will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends and developments with County Executive Elrich and our public health experts, as the pandemic begins to transition into an endemic stage."