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In its initial ruling on lawsuits challenging Gov. Greg Abbott's executive ban on mask mandates, the Texas Supreme Court said school district mask mandates can stay in place while lawsuits make their way through the lower courts. At least 58 districts in Texas are requiring students and staff to wear masks to slow the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant of COVID-19.

While the legal issues surrounding masking make their way through the state and federal court systems, TCTA encourages members to follow the COVID-19 guidelines in their district. Members with questions or concerns about their district's policies should call 888-879-8282 to speak with a staff attorney.

In its latest guidance issued Thursday, the Texas Education Agency is now requiring school districts to notify parents when someone in their child's classroom tests positive for COVID-19. Our COVID-19 FAQs for the 2021-22 school year have been updated accordingly.

Several rural districts in Texas have shut down for a couple of weeks after spikes in positive COVID-19 cases, and many larger districts are working to expand remote learning options for students who need to quarantine.

In addition to personal days available to employees, there may be other leave options to consider. The requirement that employers provide paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act expired on Dec. 31, 2020, however the American Rescue Plan Act allows districts to receive payroll tax credit if they voluntarily provide paid sick leave or extended family leave pursuant to the FFCRA until Sept. 30, 2021. TCTA is not aware of any school districts using this option. 

In addition, a school board could adopt a policy expanding local sick leave for employees who choose to or must remain in isolation. Such a policy could be adopted on an emergency basis to provide a public benefit to the district and to the community. TCTA is encouraged to see a growing number of districts consider or adopt local paid leave policies allowing for additional days. On Thursday, the Round Rock ISD board voted to give district employees 10 additional paid leave days if they receive a positive COVID-19 test during the 2021-22 school year. Other districts that have considered or are considering additional paid leave days include Killeen, Houston, Arlington and Katy ISDs.

Three of TCTA's staff attorneys will share the latest information on mask mandates and COVID-19 protocols, and review how some laws that take effect Sept. 1 will affect educators, during our Saturday Spotlight Legal Session at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Aug. 21). They'll also save time for your questions. The free session will last about 90 minutes. Click here to register.

The Texas House reached a quorum Thursday evening for the first time since mid-July, opening the door for lawmakers to start moving on the special session’s agenda, beginning with committee hearings today.

SB 7, the 13th check legislation, will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday afternoon. House Public Education will meet Tuesday morning to consider House and Senate bills relating to civics instruction ("critical race theory" legislation); SB 2 regarding transgender students in UIL athletic activities; SB 9 addressing how schools provide instruction relating to child abuse, family violence and dating violence; and SB 15 relating to virtual instruction. Our Updates from the Capitol will track the developments.

Congratulations to these outstanding teachers! Click here to read more.

Invite your colleagues to join TCTA and earn $25 for every two eligible first-time active members you recruit with our Take 2/Make $25 program.