Local school districts differ on mask mandates

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY — Local schools are starting their school year amid the pandemic and varying their approach to mask use on campuses as confirmed cases among children increase.

As the school year is scheduled to start in Texas, school districts across the state have begun a court battle with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Supreme Court to enforce mask mandates on their campuses. The delta variant is causing concern among school administrators, teachers and parents as more children under 18-years-old are testing positive for and spreading COVID-19.

Abbott signed Executive Order GA-38, which forbids local government entities from requiring individuals to wear face coverings. In a recent tweet, Abbott said he would take any school district that defies the executive order to court.

Just days before Hays CISD is scheduled to begin the 2021-2022 school year, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra announced a mask mandate based on the increase of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the delta variant.

On Thursday, August 12 the San Marcos CISD approved a mask mandate with their Board of Trustees, but Hays CISD said they would not enforce a mandate, but “strongly recommend” mask use on their campuses.

Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright sent a letter to parents on August 14 and said that COVID-19 cases in school-aged children in the county are up 130% in the last two weeks.

“By most measures, if not all, this surge is worse than what we faced at the beginning of last school year,” said Wright. “What we should do is wear masks. Wearing a mask violates no law or order. It is the safe thing to do medically and legally. While we await a decision on whether not wearing a mask violates the law, we will continue to urge parents to send their children to school in masks – especially at the elementary school level where vaccines are not yet an option.”

San Marcos CISD is not alone in its attempt to enforce mask mandates, with large school districts in Dallas and Houston also pushing for students to mask up for the upcoming school year.  

The Texas Supreme Court Thursday allowed mask mandates temporarily on a technicality without issuing a ruling or legal arguments. The court’s order cited a provision that typically requires matters to go to an appellate court before it reaches the state’s highest civil court.

The Texas Attorney General’s Office tweeted that local mask mandates are illegal under the governor’s executive order.

“Let this ruling serve as a reminder to all ISDs and Local officials that the Governor’s order stands,” the Texas AG’s office released.

San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees member Juan Miguel Arrendondo responded to the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling, saying that their decision does not invalidate the district’s mask mandate. 

Hays CISD, Wimberley ISD and Dripping Springs ISD have already begun the school year, and SMCISD is scheduled to begin classes on Monday, August 23.

According to SMCISD Board of Trustees Vice President Anne Halsey, as faculty have returned back to campus for professional development 31 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.

As the school year progresses, San Marcos Corridor News will continue to update readers on the COVID-19 situation in local schools. If you are a parent, student or faculty member and would like to share your story please email news@smcorridornews.com.