The Rutherford County School Board voted Thursday to implement a temporary mask requirement. The 5-2 vote would require masks from Monday, September 13th to October 14th, at which time it will be reviewed.

The board also voted to end the requirement if the average positivity rate is 10-percent or lower for three consecutive weeks. As long as the rate continues over 15-percent, the mask mandate will stay in place or be implemented again. Also if a masked student comes in contact with another individual with COVID-19, the masked student is not required to quarantine unless the masked student is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Parents will have the option to opt-out of the mask mandate.

New board vice-chairperson Sheila Bratton made the motion. It was supported by new chairperson Tiffany Johnson, outgoing chair Coy Young, Jim Estes and Claire Maxwell. Tammy Sharp and Lisa Moore both opposed the temporary mask requirement.