Editor's note: This story has been updated to include more information about the survey.
Austin ISD released a community survey Feb. 24 asking families and staff to weigh in on if the district’s mask mandate should be optional.
The district said the survey stems from falling COVID-19 cases numbers, which will likely bring about mask discussions with local health authorities. As more parents reach out to the district to ask for mask mandates to be lifted, the district said it wants to ensure all community members have a chance to weigh in.
As of 1 p.m. Feb. 24, about 53% of respondents said the mandate should be optional with almost 8,500 responses. Of those, 42% said the mandate should not be optional, and the others said they were unsure.
The majority of respondents, 79%, identified themselves as parents.
In a question asking about the timing of lifting the mask mandate, the most common answer was that it should be lifted now, 46%, with the second most common answer being that it should be left in place until the end of the year, 28%.
The survey was released on social media around 11 a.m. it was also shared with families and staff.
The survey will be online until March 6.
The district said the data will not necessarily determine the decision, but that they will work with local health authorities.
