Upon students' return from spring break March 15, McKinney ISD will continue its current policy of mandating face coverings for staff members and all students age 10 and older for the remainder of the academic year, per guidance from the Texas Education Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The decision comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans March 2 to rescind the state's mask mandate. Abbott's new executive order went into effect March 10.

Multiple district leaders have consistently said that internal data shows that the spread of COVID-19 is minimal on campus when face coverings are worn.

"We all desire a return to normalcy, but the safety of our staff and students will remain the priority in our school district," Communications Specialist Shane Mauldin wrote in a statement March 5.

Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct an error. Students returned from spring break March 15.