The Round Rock Independent School District has approved a new requirement for masks on campuses. The previous requirement expired on Friday, September 17, and due to issues at the September 14 board meeting that led to its adjournment less than an hour after it began, it was not extended as planned last week. It its September 23 meeting, however, the board did implement a new mandate, with some changes from its previous iteration.
Moving forward, the district will use what is called a Mask Matrix (which you can learn more about by CLICKING HERE.) The Mask Matrix outlines five stages for mask protocols, and is designed to align with the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s gating stages and the Austin Public Health risk-based chart, which are used to assess public health conditions. The Board also gave Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez the authority to change the mask requirement if necessary due to legal action or enforcement by the Texas Education Agency.
Under the reinstated mask protocol, all students, teachers, staff members, and adult visitors, including RRISD board members, must wear masks on buses and while inside school buildings when six feet of distance cannot be maintained during the regular school day. Students and staff have the option to remove their masks while seated in cafeterias and staff lunchrooms, and while outdoors. Masks may be removed for activities during athletics, fine arts, and physical education classes if deemed appropriate by the coach, director or instructor.
Students and staff may opt-out of the mask requirement for health or developmental reasons only.
When changes are made to the district’s mask policy, families and staff will be notified via email.
