The Latest News on VISD’s Mask Policy
As soon as we heard the news that Gov. Abbott was reopening Texas 100 percent on Wednesday, March 10th as well as rescinding the mask mandate it didn't take long before we thought about our school students.
Unlike a private business that now has the opportunity to choose whether they will require their patrons to wear masks, Texas school districts, including VISD follow the guidance of TEA, the Texas Education Agency.
Today the TEA updated its mask policy information, dated March 4th, 2020 in a document titled, " Public Health Planning Guidance" which you can read here that states, "Every student, teacher, or staff member shall wear a mask over the nose and mouth when inside a school building, school facility, facility used for school activities, or when in an outdoor space on school property or used for school activities."
In addition, " The governing board of a school system may modify or eliminate by formal action the above mask requirements."
Dr. Quintin Sheperd of VISD offered Don Brubaker of Crossroads Today his latest comments on the mask policy saying, " I have a meeting scheduled with my administrative team to discuss further. We believe our teachers, students, and community would like to know what our plans are not just for next week, but for the next several weeks that follow. Unfortunately, we have not been given advance notice about any of these information releases, so it disabuses us of the opportunity to plan accordingly. The Governor’s order doesn’t take effect until next Wednesday so we don’t want to rush to react, but rather, respond appropriately after we’ve had a chance to plan."
For now, it looks as though wearing masks at school is still a requirement for students and staff. We will continue to keep you posted and will follow VISD's website here for updated information as well.
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