Duval Schools makes masks optional for 2021-22 school year, no more Duval HomeRoom Face masks have been downgraded from mandatory to "strongly encouraged, but voluntary" at elementary schools and "voluntary" at secondary schools. Author: Florida Times-Union, Emily Bloch Published: 12:40 PM EDT May 25, 2021 Updated: 12:43 PM EDT May 25, 2021 JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Next school year, students will no longer be required to wear face masks on campus, Duval County Public Schools announced. The district discussed its school opening plan Tuesday morning at a school board workshop meeting. The plan includes guidance on coronavirus safety policies that are staying and going for the 2021-22 school year.