Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. Photo by Renee Umsted.
Dallas ISD will require students, staff and visitors to wear masks at all campuses. The mandate will go into effect Tuesday.
Superintendent Michael Hinojosa made the announcement Monday at a press conference.
“As the superintendent of the second largest district in Texas, I’m responsible for everything, most importantly the safety of our students and staff and families,” Hinojosa said. “I need to implement whatever safety protocols I feel are in the best interest of our school district.”
The requirement comes as cases are increasing and Dallas County raised the risk level to red, the highest level.
In May, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order barring governmental entities from requiring masks. Any governmental body that violates the order is subject to a fine of up to $1,000, according to the document.
Hinojosa said he wasn’t sure about the specifics of the penalty.
People will first be asked to comply with the temporary mask requirement, which also applies to buses. The district is developing consequences to those who refuse to wear masks.
There will be exceptions to the rule. For example, staff members who are alone in their offices are not required to wear masks.
“We will have every measure of reasonableness,” Hinojosa said.
His message to parents is simple: “Hang with us.”
Read more about DISD’s safety precautions here.
