LONGVIEW, Texas — East Texas school districts have released a statement in response to Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order to lift the mask mandate announced Tuesday.
The districts say face-coverings are still required on campuses. The districts will continue to seek guidance from the Texas Education Agency as well as federal, state, and local authorities regarding how this will impact public schools.
Statement from Tyler ISD:
"The Governor’s order addresses Texas schools to “operate as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in, guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency”. We expect and await further interpretation from TEA as our focus remains on successfully finishing the school year while taking the steps necessary to ensure this happens.
As we have throughout this unique season, we will be reviewing what works for our school system and what is in the best interest of our staff, so that our students can experience in-person learning and complete this unique school year successfully.
Statement from Longview ISD:
"Longview ISD is aware of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order to remove the mask mandate starting next Wednesday, March 10. The district looks forward to continued guidance from federal, state, and local authorities regarding how this will impact public schools. However, for the time being, face coverings and other preventative measures will continue to be required at Longview ISD campuses and facilities. Our administration is currently discussing this matter internally and will release additional information in response to this announcement in the coming days."
Statement from Spring Hill ISD:
"We are expecting an announcement from the Texas Education Agency providing guidance on how Governor Abbott's new executive order will affect COVID-19 protocols for Texas public schools moving forward.
Spring Hill ISD will continue the COVID-19 protocols currently in place, including masks, until we receive new guidance from the Texas Education Agency."
Statement from Nacogdoches ISD:
"Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order today that will lift the statewide mask mandate, effective March 10, 2021. Until that time, Nacogdoches ISD will continue to require students and staff to wear face coverings on its campuses and in its buildings. NISD is awaiting further guidance from Texas Education Agency in preparation for the questions that are sure to arise from this new order."
NISD’s Spring Break is next week and the district will provide further information for students, their parents and our staff.
Statement from Whitehouse ISD:
"We will be evaluating the order and working with the Texas Education Agency and NET Health to determine what this may look like when determining who has been in "close contact" with a person deemed to be COVID positive through contact tracing. All WISD schools will continue to operate under current practices and guidelines until the evaluation and coordination are complete."
Statement from Chapel Hill ISD:
"CHISD will continue to follow its safety guidelines and mask requirements at this time. We know that COVID remains a threat in our community and we want to ensure we are all doing our part to minimize that threat to the best of our abilities. Please continue to wear your mask on school property and social distance."
Gov. Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order GA-34 lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing the capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100%.
This executive order rescinds most of the governor's earlier executive orders related to COVID-19. Effective Wednesday, March 10, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas.