UPDATE: 3 p.m. March 4th
Following the announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott's office revoking the statewide executive order concerning face masks and business closures, Longview ISD may consider new COVID-19 protocols this summer.
However, for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year, all Longview ISD campuses and facilities will continue their current COVID-19 protocols.
Under new guidelines issued from the Texas Education Agency on March 3rd, public school systems and their boards have authority to determine their district’s policies with regard to COVID-19 preventative measures.
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said the administration will remain in dialogue with federal, state, and local officials about the best processes to follow in the ongoing fight against this global pandemic.
'Longview ISD will likely revisit this issue with our board each month, and possibly modify existing policies for the 2021-22 school year at some point this summer,' he said. 'But for now, we're going to finish this school year under the current protocols, and continue to make data-based decisions going forward.'
Of course, Dr. Wilcox added, this decision is subject to change, based on any new information or regulations issued by governing authorities.
'Longview ISD will be sure to keep our families and community informed through our district website, social media, and through all-calls/emails,' he said.
For more information about COVID-19 and Longview ISD, please check our Coronavirus information portal at LISD.org/COVID.
UPDATE: 3 p.m. March 3rd
The Texas Education Agency's authority to implement operational requirements for public schools remains in effect, but as a result of Gov. Greg Abbott lifting the order on masks, TEA has updated its Public Health Guidance.
Under this updated guidance, a public school system’s current practices on masks may continue unchanged. Local school boards have full authority to determine their local mask policy.
TEA has also made updates related to surface cleaning requirements.
Additionally, the Department of State Health Services announced today that educators and school support staff are eligible for vaccines effective immediately. See this link for more information.
3 p.m. March 2nd
District responds to Gov. Abbott's announcement
Longview ISD is aware of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order to remove the mask mandate, starting Wednesday, March 10.
The district looks forward to continued guidance from federal, state, and local authorities regarding how this will impact public schools. However, for the time being, face coverings and other preventative measures will continue to be required at Longview ISD campuses and facilities.
Our administration is currently discussing this matter internally and will release additional information in response to this announcement in the coming days.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday, May 2nd that he is ending the statewide mask mandate and allowing all businesses to open at full capacity. Gov. Abbott said he was rescinding “most of the earlier executive orders” he has issued over the past year to stem the spread of the virus.
Our administration will continue to re-evaluate the state of the district on a daily basis, and any information below is subject to change. We will be sure to keep you informed on our district website, social media, and through all-calls/emails. You can find updates on all our social media sites and here.