BUFORD, Ga.,-On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, a letter from BCS Superintendent, Dr. Robert Downs informed families that the school will move to a mask-optional protocol.

The letter states, "On Friday, May 28, 2021, Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order removing the mask-wearing mandate at public schools. To address this recent change for our schools, the Buford City School Board of Education and the Superintendent's Office considered the feedback from the most recent survey. The survey data revealed our community and teachers seem comfortable with moving to a mask-optional protocol. Therefore we will no longer require masks inside our school buildings."

Downs continues the letter by explaining that while students are passengers on the bus, they still must wear a mask.

"Masks are still required on our school buses by Federal Government mandate and Centers for Disease Control protocols. Summer school students who are traveling on school buses will need to wear their masks as passengers but may remove them once they exit the bus."

Families who prefer their students to continue wearing masks while in the building are allowed and should feel comfortable doing so according to the letter. Much care and consideration to the safety protocols of the schools are ongoing as the school district is actively planning for the 2021-2022 school year.

The letter sent out digitally on Wednesday afternoon also told BCS families, "We will continue consulting and taking advisement from local health officials and making the safest decisions for our students and staff."

Buford City Schools summer school classes begin on June 7, 2021, and the next school year begins on August 4, 2021.