Austin ISD board notes mask compliance, may consider future vaccine requirements

As some schools deal with COVID-19 outbreaks, Austin ISD’s Board of Trustees said its COVID policies will remain fluid.

The district counted 126 new COVID cases in students and 49 cases among district staff between Aug. 16 and Aug. 24, Austin ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde pointed out at the board’s Aug. 26 meeting. Projected enrollment for the district in the 2021-22 school year was more than 77,000, according to data from the district.

Elizalde said during her visits to 14 campuses during the district’s first two weeks of school, she saw 100% mask compliance among students, staff and teachers.

“I haven’t seen anybody having conversations about masks,” Elizalde said. “Maybe all we need to do is remember to look in the eyes of our children and we can see what our role really is. They have been a tremendous example.”

Trustee Kevin Foster suggested that, if COVID surges worsen, the board consider moving to require students involved in sports and other extracurriculars that require close contact to receive COVID vaccines.

Foster said students must already receive certain immunizations, including the polio vaccine, to attend private and public schools in Texas.

“That’s not unheard of. That’s not wild. That’s not a plot,” Foster said.

Elizalde said the district will continue checking case numbers while keeping policies fluid.

"And I hear you loud and clear with regard to vaccinations," Elizalde said.

The board did not have formal plans posted to require COVID vaccine requirements as of Aug. 26.