Update on Legal Challenge- Masks Remain

By FCPS
FCPS Messages
February 04, 2022

Based on new metrics and CDC guidance, FCPS will now adjust our roll back plan and allow everyone - staff and parents/guardians of FCPS students - to make a choice whether or not they will wear a mask starting Tuesday, March 1

Dear FCPS Staff and Families,

Just a short time ago, a judge in Arlington Circuit Court agreed to a temporary injunction requested by FCPS and six other Northern Virginia school districts, that takes immediate action to protect the health of our community and also reaffirms the constitutional right in the Commonwealth of Virginia of school boards to make policy decisions for their districts.

A final hearing will be held at a future date. In the meantime, Fairfax County Public Schools will continue our mask requirement for all students, staff, and visitors, a regulation that is overwhelmingly supported by our staff and families. Read our statement on today’s decision.

Universal mask wearing has been a critical safety measure throughout the pandemic, especially during this most recent surge. We are committed to providing all students safe and in-person instruction. We believe that in order to do so, masks and our other layered prevention strategies must remain in place for now. As a reminder, all students are required to wear a face covering while indoors on school property or during FCPS-provided transportation, unless they have an exemption.

We are working with health experts to determine a safe and effective plan to scale back when it is appropriate to do so. FCPS will continue, as it has since this pandemic began, to prioritize the health and safety of all students and staff.

Some of you will be relieved by today’s decision and others will be frustrated. We understand. We ask everyone to treat each other with kindness, respect school procedures, and work together to safely move forward.

Fairfax County Public Schools

Mask Requirement Continues

February 02, 2022

FCPS’ mask requirement remains in effect. A judge today said a decision will be made soon regarding a temporary injunction requested by FCPS to reaffirm the constitutional right of Virginia school boards to make policy decisions for their districts.

Update on Our Roll Back Plan

February 10, 2022

FCPS will scale back some prevention strategies, such as masking, testing, and quarantining, when the Fairfax County community reaches moderate transmission of COVID-19 and remains there for seven consecutive days.

graphic of envelope and text says: Message from the Superintendent

Mask Guidance Update

February 18, 2022

On Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 739, which allows parents to opt their children out of mask-wearing effective March 1. At this time, FCPS' layered prevention strategies, including universal masking, remain in place.

Read All News

School Board Statement on Changes to Universal Masking

Fairfax County Public Schools will continue to have a mask requirement until we reach a moderate community transmission level. We strongly recommend that parents/guardians continue to have their children wear masks in school.

Arlington Court Issues Temporary Injunction in Favor of School Boards

The Schools Boards of Alexandria City, Arlington County, City of Richmond, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Hampton City and Prince William County are pleased with the temporary injunction issued today by the Arlington Circuit Court with regard to optional masking of children.

Photograph of an old ink pen and ink jar used by Fairfax County Public Schools students.

Desegregation: Writings

This records collection includes position statements and correspondence to and from officials and organizations by the Fairfax County School Board and FCPS Superintendent Woodson.

Students sitting with a teacher at a table

Health and Safety Guidance Document

FCPS provides guidance regarding school health and safety practices.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

Expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable and supportive school environment.

Photograph of an old Fairfax County School Board minute book.

Desegregation: School Board Minutes

Meeting minutes, voting records, and policy statements of the Fairfax County School Board related to desegregation/integration can be found in this collection.