Botetourt County Public Schools Responds to Gov Youngkin’s Executive Order Impacting Masking Mandates in K-12 School Divisions

Botetourt County Public Schools Responds to Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order Number
Two, Impacting Masking Mandates in K-12 School Divisions

FINCASTLE, Va. —
On January 15, 2022, Governor Youngkin signed an Executive Order (E02) which states that the
parents of any child enrolled in an elementary or secondary school program may elect for their
children not to be subject to a masking mandate. We anticipate further clarification from the
Attorney General and the State School Board office on how this executive order impacts other
laws (SB1303) and guidance currently in place for K-12 divisions.

Governor Youngkin’s executive order takes effect on January 24, 2022. Until then, Botetourt
County Public Schools will continue all current mitigation strategies when students return to
school this week. We appreciate the patience and support of our community as we focus on
implementing the governor’s new order. We also reiterate our ongoing commitment to keeping
our facilities safe and healthy environments in which students can continue in-person learning.
We express our gratitude to the families, staff, and Botetourt community for diligently supporting
education in our county!

Contact:
Mike Moser, Communications Specialist
Botetourt County Public Schools
mmoser@bcps.k12.va.us
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