Vice Chairman Rev. James Golden spoke out against racist public comments at Friday's school board meeting. After weeks of contentious meetings that included racially charged public comments, the board unanimously voted to end face mask requirements. The Manatee County School Board unanimously voted Friday morning to end its policy of requiring face coverings in school. The vote amended Section B of Policy 8450, which mandated that all employees, visitors, and students wear a face mask while on school property to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Because the school year ended Thursday, the change means that masks will not be required at graduations or summer school.