Round Rock ISD Limits Mask Opt-Out To Health, Development Concern

Round Rock TX

25 August, 2021

12:01 PM

Description

ROUND ROCK, TX — Round Rock ISD is tightening its mask policy by restricting opt-out options to health and developmental conditions only, officials announced Wednesday. The change to the mask policy will go into effect on Thursday. The decision to amend its policy comes after Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez recommended to limit exemptions during a Board of Trustees called meeting on Tuesday. "I miss seeing the smiling faces of our students and teachers and I can't wait until we can all put our masks away. But that time is not now," Dr. Azaiez said. "We must do all we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our school doors open." Officials said the latest recommendation was precipitated by changes in the legal landscape on whether or not school districts have the authority to require masks. Late last week, the Texas Education Agency released new guidance that the state is currently not enforcing the governor's executive order banning mask requirements in public schools due to ongoing legal battles in state and federal courts. .@RoundRockISD is tightening its current mask policy, restricting exemptions to health & developmental conditions only, following action by the Board of Trustees at a called meeting on Tues. Aug. 24. The policy goes into effect on Thurs. Aug. 26. Details: https://t.co/Y0DnLhfIlP— Round Rock ISD (@RoundRockISD) August 25, 2021 Also, the Texas Supreme Court declined to overturn temporary restraining orders requiring masks in public schools, including an order that applies to Round Rock ISD schools located in Travis County and the City of Austin. Last week, the Board approved a temporary mask requirement set to expire on Sept. 17. The Board's regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16, and the Trustees could vote to extend the requirement at that time if conditions warrant, officials said. In the original mandate, the district allowed a broad opt-out provision for staff and students. However, under the updated mask protocol, all students, teachers, staff members and adult visitors, including Trustees, must wear masks on buses and while inside school buildings when six feet of distance cannot be maintained. Students and staff have the option to remove their masks while seated in cafeterias and staff lunchrooms and while outdoors. Masks may be removed for activities during athletics, fine arts, and physical education classes if deemed appropriate by the coach, director or instructor. Information on requesting an exemption will be provided to parents via email and posted on the District's website as soon as possible. Parents and staff who plan to apply for a health or developmental exemption will have a week to provide documentation after the forms are available and will not be required to wear a mask in the interim. Officials said Round Rock ISD's current COVID-19 protocols are designed with the guidance of local health agencies and in consideration of the current and developing public health climate. The district will reassess conditions frequently and adjust accordingly. MORE AREA SCHOOL NEWS:Leander ISD Will Keep Schools Open, Despite WilCo Advice To Close Round Rock ISD Educators Receive $125K In Education Grants Round Rock ISD Grants COVID-19 Leave For Staff