Amid a COVID surge, the Hoover school board Friday approved a mask mandate. The vote was 3-1. Masks will be required while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The policy will remain in effect for 30 days. After that, masks will be strongly encouraged. Following the vote, at the Spain Park High School theater, supporters of the policy cheered and applauded. Opponents responded by asking proponents why they weren't wearing masks. The Vestavia Hills school system announced masks will be optional, but strongly encouraged. The school year begins next Tuesday for both school systems. The Shelby County school system says it will strongly recommend -- but not require -- the use of masks.