AG Paxton Issues Legal Guidance on School Reopening
Local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease.
Press Release
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued guidance on the opening of local schools for the upcoming school year, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, responding to a request from Stephenville Mayor Doug Svien. While playing an important role in protecting the health of school children and employees, local health authorities may not issue sweeping orders closing schools for the sole purpose of preventing future COVID-19 infections. Rather, their role is limited by statute to addressing specific, actual outbreaks of disease. School officials, both public and private, are the appropriate ones to decide whether, when, and how to open school.
“Education of our children is an essential Texas value and there is no current statewide order prohibiting any school from opening,” said Attorney General Paxton. “While local health authorities may possess some authority to close schools in limited circumstances, they may not issue blanket orders closing all schools on a purely preventative basis. That decision rightfully remains with school system leaders.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
Public Health Order Regarding In-Person School Instruction
Schools included in the order are all public independent school districts that have school district boundaries in Nueces County.
Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Local Health Authority Dr. Srikanth Ramachandruni has issued a Public Health Order imposing specified control measures and restrictions for public schools offering in-person instruction. Schools included in the order are all public independent school districts that have school district boundaries in Nueces County.
The following restrictions are effective today, July 16, 2020 as of the execution of the Public Health Order:
School systems shall not re-open schools for on-campus, face-to-face instruction until after September 7, 2020.
Virtual instruction shall be permitted as per a school system’s own plan.
At least two weeks prior to re-opening for on-campus instruction and on-campus activities, the school or district shall develop a plan to be submitted to the Corpus Christi/Nueces County Health Authority for re-opening on-campus activities and instruction. The plan must be made available to parents and the public.
Extra-curricular sports and activities are excluded from the Order.
The Order may be renewed or extended by further action if necessary.
The Public Health Order can be read in its entirety at https://www.cctexas.com/coronavirus