by Andy Welch
EduLege Extra Some of the timely issues that have been addressed in recent editions of EduLege
Father Knows Best… Governor Greg Abbott says that only local school boards—not local health officials—can decide how to open schools this fall during the coronavirus pandemic. "The bottom line is the people who know best ... about that are the local school officials," Governor Abbott said during a news conference in San Antonio. Texas educators and parents have been frustrated and confused about the conflicting messages that have been issued by Governor Abbott and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in recent weeks. Under the state's guidance—first issued by Attorney General Ken Paxton and then endorsed by Governor Abbott—local health officials can only intervene in school operations if there is an outbreak once students return to campus, at which point they can temporarily shut down a school. However, the governor says local school boards are free to consult with health experts in making their decisions to return on-campus learning.
18 Summer 2020 | www.TSPRA.org
“Nothing is stopping them from doing that, and they can fully adopt whatever strategy the local public health authority says," Abbott said. The governor also says that in preparation for the new school year, the state has distributed to schools more than 59 million masks, more than 24,000 thermometers, more than 565,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, and more than 500,000 face shields. He promised schools “will have their (personal protective equipment) needs met at no cost” to them, with the state picking up the tab. That’s a hollow boast, according to the Texas State Teachers Association. “The governor’s optics today on PPE is a drop in the bucket, compared to what will be needed if schools are forced to reopen before it’s safe,” TSTA President, Ovidia Molina said. “59.4 million masks are roughly 11 masks per student. That might get students through the first week of school.”
If UT researchers are right, there are going to be lots of five-day school closings in Texas… Millions of Texas families face an excruciating choice: