While other safety protocols are still in place, the Argyle Independent School District (AISD) was ahead of Gov. Greg Abbott’s order prohibiting mask mandates in schools after June 4, and is scheduled to revisit safety guidelines in July.
Telena Wright, AISD superintendent, recently told the Dallas Express about how the school has been handling changes in safety requirements since Abbott’s decision to lift the statewide mask mandate on March 2.
“Masks became optional in AISD May 10,” Wright said.
Abbott first put a mask mandate in place by executive order on July 2, 2020, according to a press release issued by his office at that time. The mask order went in place alongside restrictions on gatherings and other safety measures, the restrictions were all lifted by executive order on March 2.
“Social distancing, hand sanitizing, hand washing, dividers and temperature scanners remain in place,” Wright said.
However, which of those protocols will still be in place for the coming school year has yet to be decided, she said.
“The guidelines will likely be decided in July,” Wright said.
In issuing his executive order prohibiting government entities across the state from requiring masks on May 18, Abbott initially set a deadline for most entities of May 21, but gave schools until June 4, according to a press release from Abbott’s office. Government officials who violate the order and attempt to enforce any kind of mask requirement could face up to $1,000 in fines.
Abbott cited the improved numbers in regard to COVID-19 transmission and cases as the reasoning for lifting the state-wide mandate in March, and said that Texans are the best ones to decide what the best health practices are for themselves when putting in place a prohibition against mandates by other government entities.
