New Mask Requirement Set To Go In Effect Next Week In Edmond

Edmond Public Schools is putting a mask requirement in place.

The new mask requirement kicks in next Wednesday, Sept. 8 with an option for parents to opt their kids out for personal, medical or religious reasons.

Several EPS parents said they saw this coming. Reactions are mixed this morning.

Parent Stephanie Brady said she is concerned about children’s mental health.

“You are communicating a lesson to children that you do not care for their safety, their mental health and their well-being,” Brady said.

Starting Wednesday, 1st through 12th grade students must wear a mask inside school buildings and on buses.

Pre-K and Kindergarteners will only have to mask up when walking around school or sitting in groups.

As of Tuesday, the district reported 348 active COVID-19 cases and more than 1,800 people in quarantine. 

EPS has over 28,000 students and staff total.

EPS superintendent Angela Grunwald said it wasn't an easy decision, but she feels the only way forward was a mask requirement.

“We want students in school five days a week and I am convinced that the wearing of masks will reduce our quarantine numbers,” Grunwald said.

Right now, masks are not required for outdoor sporting events, student activities or recess.