Spring ISD to require masks in district buildings, campuses

The Spring Independent School District will be requiring masks for all students, staff, and visitors. 

Rodney E. Watson, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools with Spring ISD, made the announcement at their school board meeting on Tuesday evening.

Watson said masks will be required in district buildings and on school campuses, regardless of vaccination status. 

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Watson added the district will be providing contact tracing within Spring ISD, rather than referring those positive cases to Harris County Public Health for contact tracing. They will also let families and staff know about any positive cases on our campuses or in our district facilities by sending out a general communication to those at the campus or at the affected work location.

Lastly, Watson said the district will be sending a survey to all parents/guardians asking about potential interest in a remote learning option. The district was planning to move forward with the Spring Virtual Academy until the district learned funding had not been authorized. 

The protocol will go into effect on Monday, Aug. 16.

Spring ISDs mandate goes against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order, which prohibits local governments and school districts from requiring masks.

The district joins other school districts across the state that are defying GA-28, including Austin ISD and Dallas ISD.

Houston ISD is scheduled to vote on its own mask mandate on Thursday.

MORE: Houston ISD Superintendent to bring forward mask mandate to school board next week for a vote