School Districts’ COVID-19 Mask Policy Changes

The start of a new school year along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has multiple districts in the metro updating their face covering policies.

 State government officials and district leaders are engaged in a legal battle regarding Senate Bill 658, which bans school boards from implementing mask mandates. Wednesday, September 1, an Oklahoma judge ruled in favor of a temporary injunction that pauses SB 658. 

Some districts, like OKCPS, have found ways around the law by implementing a mask requirement instead that allows parents to have an opt-out option. However, with SB 658 halted more districts in the state are choosing to forego the law until the ongoing litigation is settled.

Read: Judge Halts Mask Requirement Ban In Schools, State Education Officials Won't Enforce For Now

**School districts that have implemented mask requirements are listed below.

OKCPS: Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean McDaniel confirmed a district-wide mask requirement that went into effect Monday, Aug. 16.

EDMOND: Edmond Public Schools' superintendent announced a mask requirement in an email to parents. The requirement will go into effect on Sept. 8.

MID-DEL SCHOOLS: Effective Wednesday, September 8, 2021, all students and staff will be required to wear masks inside school and administrative buildings, the district announced following a special board of education meeting.

WESTERN HEIGHTS: Western Heights Interim Superintendent Monty Guthrie sent a letter to families and staff stating a mask requirement would go into effect Tuesday, August 24.

PUTNAM CITY SCHOOLS: The Putnam City School District passed a mask requirement for students at its board of education meeting Tuesday night. The requirement goes into effect Wednesday, Sept. 8.

PONCA CITY SCHOOLS: Ponca City Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to institute a mask requirement for anyone entering a PCPS indoor facility during normal school day operating hours, the district said in a press release Thursday, September 9. District officials said the temporary mask requirement goes into effect on September 10. Click here for more information.

YUKON: Yukon Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Simeroth announced a mask requirement Friday, September 3 due to the injunction of SB 658. Parents and guardians will be given three opt-out options. More information can be found here.

HULBERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The Hulbert Board of Education voted to require masks for all students and adults on school grounds.

GLENPOOL PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district said masks will be required for students and staff beginning Thursday, Sept. 9. Click here for more information.

DEER CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Masks will be required for students and staff beginning Thursday, September 16. Click here for more information. 

UNION PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The Union Public School board voted unanimously to implement a mask requirement for students and staff. The policy will go into effect on Wednesday, September 15. Click here for more information.

JENKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The Jenks Public Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a mask requirement for the district, in which families may choose to opt out. The requirement will go into effect on Tuesday, September 14. Click here for more information.

TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Students at Tulsa Public Schools will be required to wear a mask inside buildings while at school starting Tuesday, September 7. According to the district, students with an approved exemption, whether it's medical or based on the emotional needs of the student, will not have to wear one. Exemption requests will be due by September 17. Click here for more information.

CLAREMORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: The district is issuing a mask requirement for students and staff inside all school facilities. The requirement includes masking for students on buses during CPS activities. There are three exemption options. The requirement will go into effect Wednesday, September 22. Find more information here.

This story will be updated as information changes.