Groveton continues mask policy

FILE PHOTO Groveton ISD logo

By Tony Farkas

GROVETON — the Groveton ISD School Board intends to leave well enough alone by keeping masking requirements in place through the end of the school year.

At the board’s regular meeting on March 22, the board took no action regarding Gov. Greg Abbott’s order removing any restrictions connected with the coronavirus pandemic.

Superintendent Don Hamilton said the state gave schools an option regarding masks only, making it a school board decision.

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“(A handout from the state) shows that as boards consider their mask policies, one thing to be aware of is the risk for litigation and grievances for COVID-19-related claims,” Hamilton said. “This is a hot topic — half the people want to do away with it, half the people want to keep it.”

Hamilton said he spoke with School Nurse Virginia Redden, who pointed out the district was nine weeks away from school being out, and that the students and teachers have done too well to change.

Board President Mark Folds said he could go either way, but since the district has been doing so well, he did not see a reason to change, and the board could take up the matter at a later date.

In other business, the board:

• •approved the purchase of a new school bus from Longhorn Bus Sales;
• •approved changes to school policy based on recommendations from the Texas Association of School Boards;
• •approved the school calendar for the 2021-22 school year;
• •approved keeping the District of Innovation description, and appointed a planning committee; and
• •discussed contracts for teachers.