After beginning the 2021-22 school year requiring masks, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins has reversed the decision, and made mask-wearing optional for the remainder of the year.

The decision was announced in an email sent to families Monday night.

“Thank you for everything you have done this school year to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard our students, staff, and families,” the email began. “As a result of the health department’s assessment, face masks will become optional in all FCPS district facilities and on school buses beginning tomorrow- Tuesday, March 15.”

Fayette County Public Schools is also lifting all COVID-19 restrictions on school visitors and volunteers beginning March 21.

“We understand that comfort levels on mask-wearing will vary throughout the community,” Liggins continued in the email. “We encourage every family to weigh their personal circumstances before making a decision that meets their needs.”

Liggins also urged community members to avoid judging one another over mask-wearing

“Fayette County is a wonderful community that embraces and respects differences. Masking should now become just another one of those things that we accept about one another.”

Liggins also announced that the district would announce an “Either way is OK” campaign in Fayette County Schools, but provided no further information.