DeSoto ISD will open the 2022-2023 school year under a continuation of the district’s mask mandate which was enacted by the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees following a recommendation from the district’s former administration in August 2021.
The District is still under mandate which requires that all persons must wear a mask when frequenting district campuses, offices, and facilities.
The District plans to take the mandate back to the Board of Trustees to request authorization for the superintendent to adjust the mandate’s enactment as needed, extending the superintendent the ability to enforce the wearing of masks in DeSoto ISD in the event Dallas County’s COVID monitoring escalates to RED.
The District’s adherence to the mandate is in accordance with the intent with which it was developed--as a proactive protective measure in the DeSoto ISD school community.
“Majority minority communities are most deeply impacted by matters of health, wellness, access, and income,” DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers said. “Given that Dallas County is currently on an Orange alert, and COVID cases continue to rise, the district’s stance on masks as a protection to our students, staff members, and families is a proactive approach to community wellness.”
The DeSoto ISD Dress Code lists masks and face coverings as strongly recommended given the DeSoto ISD administration’s intent to present an update regarding the district’s mask mandate which will provide families the flexibility to personally determine their use of masks. The recommendation will be presented to the Board of Trustees at the August 22, 2022 Board Meeting.