Parents push back on mask mandate, protocols for DSISD students

During the April regular meeting of the Dripping Springs Board of Trustees, parents, students and stakeholders spoke out during the public forum mostly against the district’s current masking policy and COVID-19 protocols. However, board members, following standard procedure, did not comment on the topic during the meeting, because there was no item on the agenda to address it.

Board President Barbara Stroud began the meeting with a firm warning to citizens to follow the mask rule while in attendance after observing some not wearing them correctly, according to the policy. She stated, “I appreciate everyone complying, and this is a warning that it is required during our meetings. You all may or may not be aware that it is considered a criminal offense for a person with intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, to substantially obstruct or interfere with the ordinary conduct of a meeting by physical action or verbal utterance and thereby curtail the exercise of others’ first amendment rights.”

Dozens of parents shared their concerns over the masking rule for students and urged board members to “make masks optional and return school to normal.”

“This is not March 2020 anymore,” Kristina Johnson said. “We have three vaccines and every adult in the state of Texas who wants the vaccine is eligible to get it right now… it’s time to take the masks off. The soccer team can take pictures with no masks on because they won the state championship, and they’ve done it all year long. I’d like to say that these little ones are our champions for enduring the last year.”

“It’s not just about masks at this point,” Shanda DeLeon said. “Why are elementary children still unable to sit next to their friends at lunch? Why are parents still having to beg to be allowed on campuses? The virus is real, but the narrative is not. Our kids aren’t driving the virus and our teachers are not unsafe at work around unmasked kids. The consequences of your complacency will last for years, far outlasting any virus.”

Students were also in attendance and held signs that read, “I am healthy, I do not want to wear masks anymore.” “We want a normal school year.” “My mask makes me feel sick...” “I can’t recognize my friends faces with masks on.” “I hate learning on the computer all the time.” One 5th grader, Charlotte Balena addressed the Board about the lunch system and recess rules, and finally masks saying, “Have you ever worn a mask for almost six hours in one day? Especially in P.E. I hear students complain about how their masks are sticky with sweat, and I think that’s disgusting… I know you are trying to keep people safe, but it’s really hard on me and my classmates… there need to be some changes this year.”

Stroud previously suggested that the district would revisit the mask policy once teachers had ample opportunity to receive a vaccine.

According to Board policy, board members may listen to comments, but may not address the topic until they reach that item on the agenda. Masking was not an item on the board’s agenda for the April 26 meeting. Therefore, the Board did not address the mask policy.

In a March issue of the Century News, Interim Superintendent Brett Springston stated that the district was looking to take a stair step approach to relaxing COVID-19 protocols on campuses and that teachers and staff having the opportunity to obtain a vaccine was the first step. Teachers and staff became eligible to receive the vaccine on March 8. On March 13, the district hosted a vaccine clinic for staff and more than 300 employees had been vaccinated at that time. Also in March, the district sent out a survey to staff, and of those that answered 95.7 percent stated that they had already had an opportunity to receive a vaccine whether they chose to take it or not.

A community survey went out in early April in which respondents had the opportunity to answer questions about masking. 66.3 percent stated they agreed that children under 10 should not be masked and 62.32 percent stated the same for students over age 10. 67.36 percent of respondents stated they would be comfortable sending kids to school if masks were optional, and 61.26 percent said teachers should not be required to wear masks. Finally, 75.3 percent of respondents said the district should consider updating the current safety protocols as conditions change.

When it came to mask opinions from staff and teachers, 59.3 percent in a March survey said they would not be comfortable teaching if students under 10 were not masked, while 40.2 percent said they would not be comfortable with the same for students over age 10.

The Covid Preparedness Team is the committee making recommendations to the Board on protocols. Their next meeting takes place on May 4.

In an emailed statement, late April 27 the district had this to say about the public forum the previous night:

"The DSISD administration and board understands that members of our community have differing opinions on safety protocols that are in place at our schools. We continue to monitor changing conditions and our COVID Preparedness Team is working to evaluate data and review guidance from health authorities, and discuss options for adjustments to safety protocols. On May 3, several adjustments will go into effect, including three-foot spacing in classrooms, optional use of masks during outdoor physical activity, and opportunities for parent in-person meetings. We all want to return to our normal lives, but as a district we are approaching that transition responsibly by “stair-stepping” with our protocol updates. We continue to be committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff and students."