Oklahoma School Districts Adjust Mask Policies Ahead Of Summer Break

The City of Tulsa’s mask mandate expires on Friday, but some school districts will still require masks indoors until June.

Jenks Public Schools said its mask mandate is in place until June 1, but after that, it'll be optional for summer school, sports and other activities.

Lauren DeGarmo’s kids Callen and Beckham are both in Jenks Public Schools. She said this school year has been nothing short of interesting.

“The kids needed to go back to school, and to be in a routine," DeGarmo said.

Her boys have been going to class for almost the whole school year, wearing masks inside. She said it’s been annoying but has not impacted their education.

On Wednesday, the district told parents that the mandate will become optional on June 1 for employees and students, which includes all summer schools and camps.

"The position we’re in now is vastly different than the beginning of the year," said Rob Loeber with the district. 

Loeber said their COVID-19 numbers are very low, but they are waiting until after prom and graduation to drop the district's mask mandate.

"As a family, we were excited to see that and have the mandate lifted simply because that takes a huge stressor off of the kids and us too," said DeGarmo.

Broken Arrow Public Schools also announced Wednesday that all outdoor activities no longer require masks, but masks will continue to be required indoors until June 1.

Union is also requiring masks until the end of the school year but has not made a decision about the summer.

Tulsa Public Schools will require masks through the summer.

DeGarmo said Jenks’ new policy is a sign that things are looking up.

"It shows an interaction that's more normal is on the horizon," she said.

The City of Jenks mask mandate expires on Friday. Jenks Public Schools said the plan is subject to change.