Austin News

With a phased-in approach of returning to students to classes, Leander ISD reported that everyone has been helpful in complying with protocols in place to ensure a safe in-person learning environment.

"We are proud of the selfless, innovative efforts of our teachers and staff in creating the safest possible environment for students that elect to return to campus," Matt Mitchell, Leander ISD spokesperson, told Austin News in an email. "We know that it is critically important for some families to have their children learning in-person, so we've been focused for months on having that option available in a way that safeguards the health and well-being of our teachers, staff and students."

Leander ISD allowed parents to decide on their children to continuing with virtual or in-person learning.

"We believe that offering families a choice of Virtual Empowered Learning or in-person learning allows parents to make the decision that best suits them," Mitchell said.

In accordance with health agencies' guidance, Leander began in-person instruction on Sept. 8 through Sept. 18, prioritizing for students in special education, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, sixth and ninth grades; students without home internet; and children of staff members and long-term substitute teachers, according to its reopening plan.

"Our phased-in approach is in keeping and in collaboration with local health agencies, and it allows us to very carefully monitor the needs of our students that wish to learn on campus as we move forward," Mitchell said. "The goal is to be able to keep our schools open and not have our students going back and forth between virtual and in-person learning."

According to Mitchell, numerous protocols were put in place and their website shows the extent to which Leander ISD is ensuring the health of their teachers, staff and students.

"Our students, families and community continue to be extremely helpful in complying with our safety precautions and protocols...all of us working together helps protect our teachers, staff and families and it had been extremely gratifying to see our community come together in this way," Mitchell said.

The second phase of Leander's reopening is slated to begin the week Monday, Sept. 21 and is expected to include second, seventh and 12th-grade students; students who receive dyslexia services and substitute teacher students.

Mitchell said Leander will continue to do work with local health departments to ensure safety.

"We continue to collaborate closely with local health departments and our campuses to ensure that those students that wish to learn in-person are doing so in the safest possible way," Mitchell said. "We know that some of our students prefer to continue their education virtually, and our mission will continue to be providing robust instruction and curriculum in an educational setting that nurtures the whole child in both environments."