School districts in Travis County are grappling with two conflicting orders on face masks一one from Gov. Greg Abbott that prohibits mask mandates and one from Travis County that requires masks at county public schools.
Amid the clash in guidance, Lake Travis ISD Superintendent Paul Norton said the district will retain its mask-optional policy for students, staff and visitors. Norton said in an Aug. 12 letter to parents the district will respect and support each individual’s personal choice but will strongly encourage wearing masks while inside and on campus.
“We have many parents who want us to defy the governor’s mask order and many others who are demanding that we do not,” Norton wrote in an Aug. 12 letter to parents.
Abbott signed an executive order in May that prohibits government entities such as school districts from implementing mask mandates. However, districts including Austin ISD challenged the governor’s order and announced Aug. 11 that masks will be required on district property.
