LOCKHART, Texas — Like many school districts across Texas, Lockhart ISD is experiencing a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases.

That prompted the Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees to vote 5-2 to require mask usage among staff, students and visitors.

What You Need To Know

  • The Lockhart ISD Board of Trustees has voted to require students, staff and visitors to wear masks on district property

  • The district is currently dealing with 204 active cases of COVID-19

  • Four classes and a student program are closed and a total 781 students are currently quarantined

  • The district is considering virtual learning options 

The district is also considering a virtual learning option, according to a news release from Superintendent Mark Estrada.

The district, which serves the Lockhart area, located south of Austin and east of San Marcos, has a high school, a junior high school, several elementary schools as well as two alternative schools.

Estrada said that as of Sept. 4, the district had 204 active cases of COVID-19, 181 of which are student cases. A total 781 students are currently quarantined.

The district closed four classes and a student program due to the fact that 20% or more of the students in them are positive for the virus. Students in those classes are learning virtually while in quarantine for 10 days.

“We expect there will be a need to close more classes in the coming weeks, and if any campus should reach 10% or more of students campus-wide who are diagnosed with COVID-19, the district may need to begin closing campuses as well, transitioning students to online learning during the temporary campus closure,” Estrada wrote.

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Estrada further said that the uptick in cases is affecting staff availability. On Friday, there was a need for 79 substitute teachers. The district was able to secure 28 substitutes. The district on Friday had only 32 of 43 bus drivers to cover all routes. Routes had to be combined in order to get students to and from school.

“There are many more examples of instructional and operational challenges due to staff shortages, but I believe this gives you a glimpse of the enormity of the impact of COVID-19 on our ability to serve our students. I ask for your patience and support for our staff who are working hard to keep everything running. They are doing the best they can under ever-changing circumstances,” Estrada wrote.

Estrada concluded by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.