Although Gov. Bill Lee wants to back off of local mask mandates and COVID-related business restrictions, most Tennessee school leaders expect to continue mask and social distancing requirements for students and staff for the rest of the academic year.
Amid the global pandemic, the governor declared Tuesday that Tennessee is no longer in a public health crisis, and he signed an executive order removing the authority of most county mayors to require face coverings.
“After more than a year of public-led health interventions, we’re in a different season,” said Lee, who has never issued a statewide mask mandate but allowed local officials to order them. “It’s time to shift our focus now more toward recovery and not restrictions.”
Following the Republican governor’s announcement, his press secretary, Casey Black, clarified that school systems continue to have the authority to set and enforce policies on their campuses.
But Lee’s declaration could make it harder for school leaders to get families to encourage their students to follow federal guidelines on masking and social distancing for important events ahead. This spring, students are taking their state tests in person, and schools are planning how to host proms, graduations and end-of-year programs.