AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Despite pleas from local health leaders urging the district to use remote learning options, Austin ISD students are back on campus today.
AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde said last week that students would return to in-person learning as originally scheduled, with the option of remote learning available for families who want it.
"There are constraints, and those absolutely come from the Texas Education Agency," Elizalde said. "Being that school is an essential function, we know that some of our parents also have a requirement needing their sons or daughters in a classroom setting physically, not just virtual or remote."
Dr. Mark Escott, interim health authority for Austin and Travis County, has made it clear he'd like to see the county's school districts switch to virtual learning for at least two weeks - especially at the middle school and high school level.
So far, no district has taken Escott up on his recommendation.
Elizalde also pointed out that "the majority of families" in AISD have chosen to continue with remote classes, according to a survey conducted by the district. If an individual campus sees a surge in COVID-19 cases, Elizalde said, the district has the option to close that school to deal with the situation without running afoul of TEA guidelines.
As schools resume, so will some extracurricular activities. Originally, Elizalde said only varsity sports would be allowed to continue; since then, the district has changed course and will allow all athletics to continue, with added COVID-19 protocols in place prior to each game and practice, and limited to no spectators at games.
Escott and local health leaders have been recommending that superintendents cancel all extracurricular activities.