GISD responds to Gov. rescinded mask mandate

From the office of Groesbeck ISD Superintendent: 

RE: Governor Abbott’s Press Conference: 

I am sure the news of Governor Abbott’s press conference and his new Executive Order that allows all Texas businesses to open at 100% capacity and rescinds the statewide mask mandate has made it to your inbox and social media accounts in many forms.  Both of these items will have a significant impact on how GISD will be able to conduct business. Our first priority is keeping our students and staff safe as we work to teach our kids. We also have a responsibility to keep students, staff, parents, and community members safe while attending events at one of our campuses/buildings,  participating in extra-curricular activities both inside and outside, as well as traveling in one of our school buses or white fleet vehicles. 

It is my understanding that the Executive Order(s) does(do) not go into effect until  Wednesday, March 10, 2021. As such, our current Return to School Safely Plan is still in effect which mandates that all employees and students in grades 4-12 will wear face coverings. Individuals not following this and other guidelines are subject to disciplinary action. 

Our current Return to School Safely Plan states “We crafted this plan to provide the  best instructional environment coupled with safe practices as defined by the Center for  Disease Control (CDC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).” We maintain this standard: best instructional environment coupled with safe practices. 

At this time, Groesbeck ISD is not making any changes to the COVID-19 prevention,  response, or mitigation guidelines as stated in the Return to School Safely Plan that includes mandated mask-wearing. 

ESC Region 12 has shared information that they have asked for additional guidance from TEA related to Governor Abbott’s Press Conference. Our school attorney has also shared that he believes new guidance may come within the week. At this time, TEA has not published any additional guidance. I am positive that guidance from TEA will occur soon, and as it does I will send that information to you along with any changes in the  Groesbeck ISD Return to School Safely Plan. 

Continue to check the GISD website (www.groesbeckisd.net, or Dr. Cowley’s Twitter account @jamescowley9) for information. 

We appreciate your patience and support during this time.