Governor: Schools will reopen for in-person instruction in fall

Texas Governor Greg Abbott told lawmakers Thursday morning that the state’s students will definitely be returning to school in-person this fall.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, quoted in a story on the Texas Tribune web site, texastribune.org, said, “It will be safe for Texas public school students, teachers and staff to return to school campuses for in-person instruction this fall. But there will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely, if the parent so chooses.”

The story also said school districts will not be required to mandate that students wear masks or be tested for COVID-19 symptoms.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is expected to announce guidelines for the coming year on Tuesday.