School districts talk masks
Hardin ISD
You may be aware of the Governor’s new Executive Order repealing the statewide mask mandate which goes into effect next week. Hardin ISD like many other school districts around the State, are currently partnering with officials to consider the implications of this order at the county, local and district levels. As specifics related to the order are evaluated, we will keep you informed. Please understand that as of now, nothing has changed operationally for Hardin ISD which includes the wearing of masks and the following of COVID -19 mitigation protocols. We are expecting further clarification from the Texas Education Agency regarding specifics related to schools. We will keep all stakeholders posted as we receive new information and guidance.
Thank you,
Scott Mackey
Superintendent Hardin ISD
Tarkington ISD
Due to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order (GA-34), TISD will discontinue mandated masks and face coverings effective March 10, 2021. At that time, masks and face coverings will become OPTIONAL for all but NOT REQUIRED.
As allowed by TEA, TISD safety protocols will continue to be based upon the TEA 20-21 Public Health Planning Guidance document. TISD has made the following revisions to this document using their local authority to do so as granted by TEA.
• Masks will be optional.
• Close Contact and Quarantine will be determined by TISD Nursing staff per local health officials and DSHS guidelines and recommendations.
Dr. Marc Keith
Superintendent
Tarkington ISD
Cleveland ISD
Cleveland ISD is committed to providing safe and secure learning facilities for our students. As such, the district has made the decision to continue wearing masks throughout the 2020-2021 school year. This decision is based on our careful review and consultation with health authorities, as well as the low number of COVID vaccinations received in our community to date.
We understand there are alternate views regarding the importance of a mask; however, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other health officials are confident that masks are essential in reducing the spread of COVID-19. Cleveland ISD has maintained moderate levels thus far, and we believe this is directly attributed to our continuous devotion of cleaning, sanitizing and commitment to the mask. The district will review the mask policy again in July 2021. It is our hope that the availability of the COVID vaccine will allow us to return to a normal school setting next school year.
Dayton ISD
On March 2, Governor Abbott issued a new executive order, rescinding his previous orders, including restrictions on business occupancy and the statewide mask order, effective March 10, 2021. Then, Thursday, March 4, Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Morath gave further clarification for school districts based on CDC guidance. After much thought, collaboration, research, and prayer our district has made the commitment to contin-ue the protocols we have in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. I am proud of our district’s COVID practices and how they have kept us safe. Although we have quarantined groups of folks, we have not closed down any campus nor have we closed the entire district at any point during the school year. Dayton ISD remains committed to keeping both our students and staff healthy and safe during this pandemic. At this time, we will continue our current safety protocols including the use of face masks at all Dayton ISD campuses and facilities.
DISD will continue to update everyone as changes occur. The success of our students and keeping school open this year is due to our community being committed to the safety of our students and following the CDC guidelines (wearing your mask, social distancing, washing your hands, hand sanitizing, and avoiding large groups if possible). Thank you for your continued support, flexibility, and patience as we continue this school year’s journey together.
With Bronco Pride,
Dr. Jessica Johnson
Liberty ISD
We are aware of the Governor’s new Executive Order repealing the statewide mask mandate which goes into effect next week. Liberty ISD, like many other school districts around the State, are currently partnering with officials to consider the implications of this order at the county, local and district levels. As specifics related to the order are evaluated we will keep you informed. Please understand that as of now, nothing has changed operationally for Liberty ISD which includes the wearing of masks and the following of COVID-19 mitigation protocols. We are expecting further clarification from the Texas Education Agency regarding specifics related to schools. We will keep all stakeholders posted as we receive new information and guidance.
Cody Abshier
Superintendent, LISD
Hull-Daisetta ISD
Parent / Guardians and Students-
We are aware of the Governor’s new Executive Order repealing the statewide mask mandate which goes into effect next Wednesday. However, in the interest of safety, all current COVID-19 protocols will remain in place for Hull-Daisetta ISD, including the wearing of masks. We will continue to update you with any procedural and operational changes.
West Hardin CCISD
For most of Texas, the governor’s suspension of the mask mandate takes effect at 12:01 AM tomorrow morning, Wednesday, March loth. For Texas public schools, the mask mandate remains in effect unless a local school board takes formal action to modify the mask mandate. The West Hardin School Board has a meeting this Thursday, March nth at 6:3o in the Library. Discussion of the mask mandate is on the agenda for that meeting. That said and in order for the District to be in legal compliance with the TEA, the mask mandate for WH students and staff will remain in effect until the school board takes action to modify the mask wearing requirements. We will send out an update after Thursday night’s meeting.
Again, the mask mandate for WH students and staff will remain in effect until further notice.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Go Oilers!