VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — For the first time this school year, masks are now required in Volusia County Public Schools.

The district is one of many across the state, including Orange County, to make masks mandatory as COVID-19 spreads in our community.

The school board voted last week to require masks. The only way parents can opt their child out is with a doctor's note

The board said a grace period will extend through Sept. 13 for parents to get a doctor's note if they want to opt their student out of the mandate.

But, the school board is holding an emergency meeting this Thursday, Sept. 9, to discuss this policy further, where a change could be made.

As of now, the policy will be in effect until Oct. 15.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has this message to parents across the country.

"This is more than just that parent's child. This is about the child that sits next to that parent's child who might have a vulnerability, who might have a disability and is more likely to end up in the hospital if he or she catches COVID, so let's come together," Cardona said.

Cardona said he understands emotions are strong on both sides, but now is not the time to remove masks.

He wants masks gone as soon as it is safe to do so.

Spectrum News 13 will be keeping track of that school board meeting on Thursday.