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WISD Response to Texas Education Agency Guidelines - Mar. 4
March 4, 2021
WISD Community,
In order to remain in compliance with requirements issued by the Texas Education Agency, Wimberley ISD will continue with the mask requirement as it currently stands in its Return to School Procedures, approved by the WISD Board in July 2020 and in effect throughout the 20-21 school year. Within TEA's guidance the only way to remove a district's current mask requirement is through formal action by the school board at a posted, public meeting.
Prior to this current pandemic we couldn't have imagined a school year where our campuses would be closed to parents and visitors, our staff and students would be wearing masks/face coverings, attendance would be limited at athletic events, and treasured traditions and events would be cancelled. Despite these obstacles, WISD is having a successful year and it would not be possible without the continued support of our staff, students, parents, and community members. We appreciate the Wimberley community's care and cooperation that has allowed our schools to remain open and safe.
For your reference
Linked here is the governor's Executive Order GA-34. "Public Schools" are referenced on page 3, item 6, which says:
Public schools may operate as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in, guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency.
Linked here is the TEA Public Health Planning Guidance document. The section on Masks is entitled "Health and Hygiene Practices: Masks" and is on pages 7 and 8. It includes the following:
Schools must comply with the following requirements:
- 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, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household; provided, however, that this mask requirement does not apply to the following:
- Any person younger than 10 years of age, except where a school system determines it is developmentally appropriate;
- Any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a mask;
- Any person while the person is consuming food or drink, or is seated in a dining area to eat or drink;
- Any person while the person is: (a) exercising outdoors or engaging in physical activity outdoors; and (b) maintaining a safe distance from other people not in the same household; or
- Any person while the person is giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience.
Also, on page 8 of the TEA Public Health Planning Guidance document, as the last bullet under item #2 it says:
- The governing board of a school system may modify or eliminate by formal action the above mask-related requirements.