Houston Independent School District, the largest public school district in Texas, will hold a board meeting next week to discuss a possible mask mandate and COVID-19 protocols, according to the superintendent, Millard House II.
House said the HISD board will meet next Thursday, August 12 to discuss a mask mandate that will require all students and staff to wear a mask while on campus or on a school bus.
If approved, the mandate would go against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order, which prevents governments and schools from mandating facial coverings. Abbott has previously said that local governments attempting to impose mask mandates could be fined up to $1,000.
Tonight’s announcement comes after the superintendent initially said he would not challenge the governor’s order. But now, House says he’s concerned with the rise of COVID cases and Harris County reverting back to the highest threat on Thursday.
The announcement also comes after TEA issued new guidelines on the COVID-19 safety protocols for the new school year. Among the new guidelines, TEA said school districts are not allowed to mandate masks.
Source: ww.click2houston.com
