AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin ISD says it will require all individuals to wear a face covering beginning Wednesday, August 11.
AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde made the announcement Monday night after a lengthy meeting of the district's Board of Trustees.
"I recognize that in a society where interests conflict there can be no absolute response that will rest with all of our constituents or stakeholders," Elizalde said. "That being said, I am responsible for the safety, health and welfare of each and every one of our students and staff."
The new policy will apply to students, staff, and visitors, on all district campuses and any other district properties and offices.
The move comes just a week before students are set to return to classes in the district, and the same day that Dallas and Houston school officials were pushing forward their own mask requirements.
The masking mandates in three of the state's largest school districts comes in spite of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order that specifically bars school districts and other governmental entities from enforcing mask mandates.