BELLVILLE ISD TO REQUIRE MASKS THROUGH MARCH; MASKS NO LONGER REQUIRED AT OUTDOOR EVENTS
Mask requirements will continue in Bellville ISD through the end of March, but could change before the end of the school year.
On March 31st, an advisory group of leaders, students, parents and staff will meet to review the number of active cases in the school district and Austin County, and consider if masks should or should not continue to be mandated by the district.
After reviewing data and input, Bellville ISD plans to update the community April 1st on the district’s expectations. The district will continue to meet every three weeks after that to review its health protocols.
Currently, staff and students in grades 4-12 are required to wear masks unless they have a medical condition that prevents them from doing so. Students up to third grade are encouraged, but not required, to wear masks.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has stated that local school boards have authority to determine the mask policies in their districts, following Governor Greg Abbott’s order rescinding mask requirements and COVID-19 restrictions effective today (Wednesday).
Bellville ISD-hosted outdoor events will ease mask restrictions starting today. Mask wearing for spectators at outdoor events hosted by the district is encouraged, but not mandatory. They will still be expected to socially distance from others not in their household.
Coaches and directors will determine mask expectations for student participants in keeping with district and campus guidelines. Spectators traveling to events in other districts will still need to follow the host’s COVID-19 and mask protocols.