Masks optional for students at Lexington-Richland School District Five The school board voted to make masks optional for students beginning Monday May 10. But students still must wear a mask when riding the bus. Author: Eleanor Tabone (WLTX) Updated: 11:21 PM EDT May 4, 2021 IRMO, S.C. — The mask mandate in Lexington-Richland District School District Five will be lifted, effective Monday May 10. In a four to two vote, the board reached a decision, saying the mask requirement will be voluntary. Students will now have a choice on whether they wear a mask or not. The Lexington-Richland Five Board of Trustees held a specially called meeting Tuesday night to discuss the current mask mandate.