We, the taxpayers of Stafford County, are requesting the School Board to allow for masks to be optional for the 2021-2022 School Year. We are requesting for the board to respect parents’ ability to make the informed decisions on masks or no masks during school. Given that masks are not currently required by state mandate, we ask you to consider the current data from Virginia Department of Health on zero deaths of school age children in Stafford County.

As of July 26, 2021, per VA Dept of Health, school divisions have the ability to make local mask policies based on community level conditions and public health recommendations. Vaccines are available to all adults, the likelihood of ill effects among the student populations are extremely low. The ending of mask requirements will allow for those who would like to continue, to do so, while allowing the option for all parties.

We ask signers of this petition, if you are a parent of a school age child, that you comment below.