Comal ISD will also offer parents the choice between in-person and remote instruction options when classes begin Aug. 25.
Guidelines issued July 17 by the Texas Education Agency gave Texas school districts the option of offering online-only classes for the first four weeks of the 2020-21 school year.
In larger cities, such as San Antonio and Austin, public health authorities took advantage of that four-week “transition window,” as TEA Commissioner Mike Morath called it, to delay on-campus instruction until at least Sept. 8.
The Bexar County Health Authority also issued a health directive July 17 that would have prevented schools in the county, including five CISD campuses, from offering on-campus instruction until after Sept. 7, according to CISD Superintendent Andrew Kim.
However, legal guidance issued July 28 by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argued that the authority to issue orders to close schools on a preventive basis lies solely with school district leaders.
Both school districts have provided detailed back-to-school plans on their respective websites with information regarding campus safety precautions, extracurricular activities and tentative schedules.
According to the districts, parents will have the ability to choose either in-person or remote learning for each nine-week grading period two weeks before the period ends.
“We know that our decisions that we’re making to social distance and protect children in schools are going to have a bearing on what decision they make two weeks prior to the start of school,” NBISD Superintendent Randy Moczygemba said.
Class schedules are also being adjusted to maximize social distancing and some teachers may be dedicated to teaching online courses only depending on the number of students registered for in-person or remote learning.
Masks or other approved face coverings will also be required to be worn by all employees and visitors, in addition to NBISD students in grade four or higher and CISD students ages 10 and up.
“We know that kids interacting with our teachers face-to-face is the best way to educate,” Kim said in the July 20 episode of his podcast, “Comal Radio.” “If our whole goal is to have school every day ... then wearing a mask is the way to do it.”
