The Texas Education Agency has released guidelines for the return of students to campuses for the 2020-21 school year. The guidelines were made to provide flexibility to families as information regarding the coronavirus changes. 

Parents will be able to decide what school setting they prefer for their children. Both on-campus and remote learning options will be available, but parents are asked to commit to one at least an entire grading period. In addition to the new schooling options, health and safety measures are being introduced. All students, faculty, and visitors must self-screen themselves for symptoms before going to campus each day. Staff members are required to report to the school system if they have symptoms of or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19 or if they have close contact with someone who has a lab-confirmed case and must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed. Parents are advised to opt for remote instruction for their child if they are lab-confirmed with COVID-19 or if they have close contact with someone with a lab-confirmed case. 

Schools are required to comply with the governor’s executive orders regarding mandatory face coverings. In instances where masks are impractical, students are encouraged to maintain six feet in distance from each other and other staff members. Schools are encouraged to provide hand-washing or sanitizing stations at each entrance and in classrooms. Campuses have also been advised to institute more frequent cleaning practices and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like door handles and desks between classes.

It is recommended that when possible, desks be placed six feet apart to maintain social distancing. It is also recommended that physical education classes take place outside when the weather permits it. It is up to the school to monitor local conditions before holding assemblies or other activities with a large attendance. Schools should also consider conditions that can help maintain proper social distancing at lunches. It is encouraged that students are dropped off at school or carpool to limit possible exposure on busses. Busses should be thoroughly cleaned between rides and windows should be opened to provide proper ventilation. 

If there is a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus, the school must notify its local health department. If there is a student or staff member with a lab-confirmed case, areas in the building heavily used by the person with the confirmed case must be roped for at least three days or until the areas are cleaned. Schools are also required to notify staff and families of students if there is a lab-confirmed case. If a student shows symptoms of the coronavirus while on campus, the student must be separated until their parent or guardian can pick them up and the areas used by that student should be cleaned as soon as possible.