Austin ISD calls special meeting to discuss mask guidelines

Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify the majority of respondents identified themselves as parents.

Austin ISD will hold a special-called meeting March 2 to discuss the possibility of lifting the district mask mandate.

The announcement follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that lessens mask guidance for many U.S. residents. It also follows a local decision from Austin Public Health to move from Stage 5 restrictions to Stage 4.

According to a press release, district leaders are working with Austin Public Health to evaluate how to communicate the move to mask-optional protocol with the public when it is implemented.

Survey results show that 50% of respondents as of 11:30 a.m. Feb. 28 feel the mask mandate should be lifted, while 45% want to see it remain in place; the remaining respondents said they were unsure. Almost 25,000 responses were submitted as part of the survey with 76% of individuals identifying themselves as parents.

Round Rock ISD dropped its mask mandate Feb. 21.