The board of trustees is scheduled to meet virtually Sept. 8 to consider rescinding a waiver passed Aug. 11 that enabled the district to extend remote learning for up to nine weeks.
The waiver, as outlined by the Texas Education Agency, allowed districts throughout the state to extend remote learning if necessary until Oct. 13 without risking a loss in funding.
EISD officials previously discussed bringing in up to 25% of students for in-person learning by Sept. 8—a percentage that could be slowly increased during the nine-week period, per the waiver’s guidelines.
However, in light of reported improvement in COVID-19 conditions within the city of Austin and evolving public health orders, EISD may rescind that waiver, as stated in the meeting’s agenda.
District officials have also received criticism from community members, many of whom are pushing for an in-person learning option for all families. Previous surveys conducted by EISD indicated that about 61% of families requested in-person learning.
Eanes Kids First, a community-led group, rallied outside of the district’s administration building Aug. 25 to advocate for the reopening of campuses.
EISD cited “updated information from district families regarding their learning choices” as another reason for potentially rescinding the waiver.
The Sept. 8 board study session will take place virtually at 6 p.m. The full agenda can be found on the district’s website.
