Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II says a board meeting will be held Aug. 12 to discuss a possible mask mandate and COVID-19 protocols.
If approved, the mandate requiring all students and staff to wear a mask while on campus or on a school bus would defy Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order barring local governments and schools from mandating facial coverings.
The Texas Education Agency has also said school districts are not allowed to mandate masks.
Abbott has said that entities attempting to impose mask mandates could be fined up to $1,000.
Initially, House indicated he would not challenge the governor’s order. But now, he says the rise of COVID cases and Harris County reverting to the highest threat level on Thursday have him concerned.
HISD, set to begin classes on Aug. 23, is the largest public school district in Texas.
IMAGE: HISD-TV