In a contentious meeting, the Redmond School Board Wednesday approved a resolution to make masks optional for students and staff by March 2nd. District spokeswoman Sheila Miller said the board essentially placed the decision to wear masks or face shields in the hands of parents. The resolution allows the school board to direct the superintendent and administration to implement a new “omicron COVID plan.”

Until the plan is implemented, masks will continue to be required in all Redmond Schools and on school buses. Other COVID mitigation measures will also remain intact until March 2nd, including social distancing and quarantining. Board member Liz Goodrich, the lone dissenting vote, called the resolution “poorly constructed” and questioned why the rush since the state has already set a date for masks to become optional in schools. The 4-1 decision defies the current state mandate which requires masks to be worn in schools until March 31st.