Originally published on 5/13/21
During the May Board Meeting, the Alvin ISD Board of Trustees approved a request to consider approval of Alvin ISD Health Plan Updates.
The Alvin ISD Health Plan Forward 2020 serves as an Administrative Regulation to guide Alvin ISD’s response to the COVID pandemic. These regulations evolve with continually updated guidance and information from local, state, and national organizations and health professionals. TEA has a requirement in their guidelines that if a Local Education Agency modifies their procedures on the use of facemasks, the modification must be approved through action by the local school board.
This recent update states that protocols for masks for students and staff be adjusted from Mandatory to Optional, effective June 1, 2021, for all Alvin ISD facilities. In addition, use of facemasks at Alvin ISD outdoor activities on Alvin ISD facilities would be optional effective May 12, 2021.
"Due to improved conditions in our community, the warmer weather and revised guidance from the local health department, Alvin ISD will be making masks optional for students and staff who are engaging in physical activity outdoors," shared Alvin ISD Superintendent Carol Nelson. "This includes our graduation ceremonies taking place outdoor on May 26, 27 and 28."
“Our COVID response team did a phenomenal job with providing us direction to finish out the school year with current practices and begin the transition process from required face coverings to optional face coverings,” added Nelson. “We are appreciative of the time and effort they put in to come to a consensus on a set of recommendations that reflect the changing dynamics of this pandemic.”
Recently, Alvin ISD conducted a poll among staff to gather information on vaccine rates among employees. Of the 1,510 employees who responded, 78% indicated they had received a COVID-19 vaccine.
When polled, 70% of respondents agreed that the school district should develop protocols for the 2021-2022 school year to allow for optional face coverings.
"Alvin ISD will continue to monitor trends and will adjust protocols accordingly should the need arise," Nelson said of making masks optional beginning on June 1. "We've come a long way and learned so much during this time. As the conditions around COVID-19 continue to improve, the transmission rate remains relatively low and staff members have had the opportunity to receive their vaccinations."
To view the updated Alvin ISD Forward 2020 Health plan, visit www.alvinisd.net/covid19.