A draft version of the revised guidelines, which are available to view on the district website here, have been updated to reflect Gov. Greg Abbott’s May 18 executive order, Texas Education Agency school health operations requirements and guidance from the Collin County Health Services Department.
The district plans to continue monitoring the health situation and may adjust protocols as specific needs or circumstances arise, according to the draft protocols. The document notes face masks are optional for all students, staff and visitors, but states “universal indoor masking is recommended" for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
According to the posted agenda for the meeting, district staff is recommending the board approves the draft version of the health and safety protocols for the 2021-22 school year.
On July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for all individuals—including fully vaccinated individuals—to wear masks in K-12 schools. The update also recommends fully vaccinated people in areas with "high" or "substantial" levels of transmission wear masks in indoor, public settings. Collin and Denton counties have high levels of transmission as of July 30.
Under Abbott’s Executive Order GA-36 issued in May, government entities, including school districts, counties, cities and public health authorities in Texas, cannot mandate mask wearing. Since June 4, public schools cannot require students, staff members, parents or campus visitors to wear face coverings, per Abbott’s order. Thirty-two Texas state representatives are calling on Abbott and TEA Commissioner Mike Morath to allow public schools to implement mask mandates and virtual learning options for the 2021-22 school year.
The trustees meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 in the board room of the PISD Administration Building, 2700 W. 15th St., Plano.
