After removing the mandate for age 12 and over in early November, the district said it hoped to return from Thanksgiving break with no mask requirements.
“We recognize the concern of a new variant, but we also acknowledge there may never be a perfect time to fully remove the mask mandate,” the email said. “The possibility of new variants may persist for the foreseeable future. Such is the unpredictability of a pandemic.”
The district encouraged individuals to get vaccinated if possible and instructed children and visitors to stay home if they are ill. Currently, EISD has four active COVID-19 cases among students as well as four active cases for employees, according to the district’s COVID-19 dashboard. On Nov. 10, the district had three active cases total.
“As we continue to navigate operating schools during a pandemic, we look to our community to support our staff in positive, respectful ways,” the email said. “We appreciate the grace and understanding so many have expressed, and we look forward to a well-deserved break very soon.”
Previously, parents spoke out against the mandate after Superintendent Tom Leonard announced in August that masks would be required for returning students. The district stated in its email Nov. 30 that it has the right to reinstate the mask policy at any time according to local conditions or orders from health authorities.
