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Note This is a rapidly changing issue, so check back for updates.
On 7/29/21, executive order GA-36 [PDF] was repealed and replaced by GA-38 [PDF]. According to executive order GA-36, no student, teacher, parent, or other staff member or visitor may be required to wear a face covering after June 4th. This exact language was not included in the order that replaced GA-36, but GA-38 does state:
no governmental entity, including a [...] school district [...] may require any person to wear a face covering or to mandate that another person wear a face covering.
The Texas Education Agency has revised its guidance for public schools to reflect these orders. Several school districts have recently decided to require masks for students and staff despite the restrictions outlined in GA-38, which has resulted in ongoing litigation between the state and several local governments. The TEA's latest guidance [PDF] notes that:
[...] mask provisions of GA-38 are not being enforced as the result of ongoing litigation. Further guidance will be made available after the court issues are resolved.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency tasked with overseeing public education for grades K-12 in Texas, with oversight of both independent school districts and charter schools. As schools reopen for in-person learning this fall, TEA has issued guidance on various COVID-19 related issues that affect public schools in Texas. At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention have also issued guidance for K-12 schools.
Most independent school districts have also created their own back-to-school plans that outline the school's safety protocols, so be sure to check the school district's website or contact them directly for a copy of these plans.
The TEA has issued guidance on COVID-19 related leave options and teacher resignations over in-person teaching assignments. See the Employment page of this guide for information on workplace safety requirements including OSHA standards, how to report unsafe working conditions, and more.
The TEA recently issued guidance [PDF] that allows schools to offer remote conferencing for up to 20 days to students who have been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19. Some students may be eligible for remote conferencing for a longer period of time. This option will remain for the entire 21-22 school year. Remote conferencing is defined as "two-way, real-time/live virtual instruction between teachers and students" and cannot be taught by a teacher who is teaching in-person students simultaneously.
House Bill 1468 would have provided state funding for school districts' remote learning options, but this bill failed to pass during the 87th Regular session. As a result, many Texas school districts canceled their plans for offering more remote learning options during the 21-22 school year. It's a good idea to check the school district's policy for more information. Additionally, some school districts may partner with the Texas Virtual School Network to offer full-time remote instruction.