Milwaukee Public Schools Moves to Mask-Optional for Students and Staff

All district school buildings will move to the new policy starting Monday, April 18, 2022

MILWAUKEE (March 24, 2022) – Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) has announced that masks will be optional for students and staff in school buildings. The new policy will take effect Monday, April 18, 2022. The decision was made after a vote by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors during their monthly board meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

The new mask policy is a change from the original mandate that required masks be worn in all MPS school buildings to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The district does have the option to revert back to a mandatory mask policy if it is determined that there is a significant transmission of the virus within the city of Milwaukee and/or the school district. Masks will continue to be available for students and staff in school buildings.

District procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will continue, including access to testing. Staff and students are currently encouraged to take the following steps to stay safe and healthy:

• Practice physical distancing.
• Get vaccinated and boosted.
• Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
• Follow quarantine and isolation practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Sanitize surfaces often.
• Maintain use of HEPA filtration units and change filters as needed.

The district encourages families to watch for communications from their child’s school and the district to stay up to date on changing conditions.