Gov. Brian Kemp wants parents of students in the state’s K-12 schools to have options when it comes to masks.

This week, he unveiled legislation that targets school districts that mandate masks in their buildings. Under Kemp’s plan, parents who don’t want their children wearing masks could opt out.

Federal guidelines require that masks be worn on school buses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal masking indoors.

» Kemp urges Georgia lawmakers to address mask mandates in schools

About a quarter of Georgia’s 180 school districts still require masks.

In metro Atlanta, masks are optional in many school districts, but required in Atlanta Public Schools, City Schools of Decatur and districts in Clayton, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.

Below is a list of policies.

Atlanta Public Schools

Masks are required in school buildings.

Buford City Schools

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Cherokee County School District

Masks are optional in school buildings.

City Schools of Decatur

Masks have been required since August.

COVID-19 vaccines: Required for staff, unless exempted. Booster shots required by the end of January.

Clayton County School District

Masks are required in school buildings.

Cobb County School District

Masks are optional in school buildings.

DeKalb County School District

Masks are required in school buildings.

Douglas County School System

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Fayette County Public Schools

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Forsyth County Public Schools

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Fulton County Schools

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Gwinnett County Public Schools

Masks are required in school buildings.

Henry County School District

Masks are optional in school buildings.

Marietta City Schools

Masks are optional in school buildings.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kiley King, an 11th grader who attended Parklane Elementary School in East Point reacts to the Fulton County Board of Education’s vote to close the elementary school on Thursday, Feb 20, 2025. Parents, teachers, students and community members filled the public comment time asking to keep Parklane and Spalding Drive elementary schools open. (Jenni Girtman for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Featured

State Rep. Matt Reeves, R-Duluth, introduces himself while attending an AAPI mental health event at Norcross High School on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray