Trustees of the Bowie Independent School District met in called session on Nov. 5 to review the district’s COVID-19 practices and procedures.
Twelve weeks into the school year, Superintendent Blake Enlow said several board members wanted to have the discussion in light of the increase in county virus cases and hospitalizations. Bowie ISD continues to experience each week two-three students and staff members at each campus who test positive or have been exposed to a positive case.
Trustees review staff and student self-reporting procedures, and the checking of student symptoms when they arise. Enlow said there was discussion about mask wearing at different common areas such as the cafeteria or gyms, where students may gather throughout the day.
“Teachers have said in some classes it is just hard to teach kids wearing a mask. There was some discussion of having a mask mandate, but it goes back to the common areas where they can’t social distance. Some wear them all the time, but we did not mandate. We will have conversations with those who may not be wearing them in common areas and why we are asking them to do it,” said Enlow.
There also is the challenge of social distancing where some of the classroom don’t have the space for the full six-feet. The superintendent said they are moving things around to make it work better and some added partitions when the students can’t be far apart.
Trustees talked about events and the public coming into facilities. Enlow said they will try to do social distancing and encourage masks.
“Football was outside, as we move inside we will mark chairs for distance and we are going to ask for and offer masks. We feel most will comply if you ask,” said Enlow.
The superintendent continued at this point it was a good discussion giving the administration an opportunity to get feedback from the board, who all have varied opinions based on their different levels of exposure to the illness.