Texas Education Agency, today issued their Comprehensive Guidelines for a Safe Return to On Campus Instruction for the 2020 – 2021 School Year. There really were no surprises in the Press Release, as we learn to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic going forward.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath stated, “Both as a Commissioner and as a public school parent, my number one priority is the health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff. That is why the guidance laid out today will provide flexibility to both parents and districts to make decisions base on the ever-changing conditions of this public health crisis. The state is and remains committed to providing a high-quality education to all Texas students, while ensuring the health and safety of students, teachers, staff, and families.”
Morath added that, despite what will be a challenging budget year, Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dan Bonnen, and other legislative leaders are committed to fully funding in-class and remote instruction for every child in the upcoming school year. As a result, parents will have more choices than normal this year as they decide which school setting is best for their children, including:
Brownfield ISD Superintendent Chris Smith told TownTalk Radio, “We are glad to receive some solid guidance. It aligns with what we have been working on all spring and summer, so we have a good head start. We will start rolling information out to the community soon.”
Wellman-Union ISD Superintendent Ben Prowell stated, “We are surveying our staff and parents to address as many concerns that the community might have, as possible. Our district administration is currently working on a plan to safely return to school on time and in accordance with local and state requirements. Our number one priority is the safety of students, and meeting the needs of WUISD.”
(Meadow ISD Administration could not be reached for comment. Their thoughts will be added to the story later.)
