HISD school board approves superintendent’s mask mandate for upcoming school year

HOUSTON – During a school board meeting Thursday, Houston ISD unanimously voted in favor of the superintendent’s mask mandate for the 2021-2022 school year.

On Wednesday, HISD Superintendent Millard House II told KPRC 2 that the school board supported his decision to mandate masks for students and staff at the beginning of the school year.

On Monday, House voiced his concerns about students wearing masks as the number of COVID-19 cases rises due to the delta variant.

RELATED: New HISD superintendent says he’s prepared for learning challenges, COVID-19 setbacks

House had been following data closely, and during last week’s agenda meeting, he asked HISD’s Board of Trustees to take a risk and vote on re-instituting a mask mandate.

The first day of school for HISD students is August 23.

READ MORE: HISD to hold board meeting next week to vote on mask mandate, COVID protocols for upcoming school year

The mandate will go against Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order, which prevents governments and schools from requiring facial coverings.

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