AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr. Mark Escott ordered all school districts and private schools in the county to delay reopening on-campus instruction, which in turn included not allowing extracurricular sports or activities to take place until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction.
Due to this order, high school sports and extracurricular activities in the Austin-Travis County area are delayed until at least Sept. 8.
In light of the announcement, numerous local school districts – both in and around Travis County – have issued their guidance on summer workouts, practices and more for the fall.
The order also states at least two weeks prior to reopening on-campus activities, the school or district must develop a plan to be submitted to the Austin-Travis County health authority and make the plan available for parents and the general public.
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The University Interscholastic League (UIL) released an updated schedule for the fall sports season on July 21.
1A through 4A schools will start on time. 5A and 6A schools with football will be allowed to practice on Sept. 7 and hold games on Sept. 24.
“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”
However, city ordinances supersede UIL's ruling, so some schools may have to follow dates provided in local orders, even if those schools would be allowed to start at an earlier date under UIL guidance. For clarification, any 1A through 4A schools that lie within a county implementing stricter ordinances would need to follow those rules instead of starting Aug. 3 like the UIL guidance allows.
Here is a list of the school districts in the Austin area and what each one's regulations are:
Austin ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Austin ISD cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
Bastrop ISD
Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape and Bastrop County Health Autority Dr. Desmar Walkes co-signed a statement saying that an order issued that requires virtual learning for the first three weeks does not impact school districts' in terms of UIL-sanctioned events. The joint statement said it allows each district within Bastrop County to make its own decision regarding UIL events, permitting they follow current UIL and Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines. For a look at the latest UIL guidance, read about it here on KVUE.
Del Valle ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Del Valle ISD cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
Dripping Springs ISD
Dripping Springs ISD responded to KVUE with the following statement:
"S&C concluded Last week and as of now we hope to start practice in 2 weeks, but we recognize conditions could change. DSISD has not yet made a decision on the three-week remote start, and we realize that could impact activities. Our district expects to announce a plan next week. "
Eanes ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Eanes ISD cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
Elgin ISD
Elgin ISD officials told KVUE that its high school lies within Travis County limits, and will thus abide by the Austin-Travis County order issued by the public health authority. Elgin ISD will not hold extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
Georgetown ISD
As of July 15, Georgetown ISD high schools were allowed to continue to hold workouts.
Hays CISD
KVUE has reached out to Hays CISD for its regulations and guidance and have not yet heard back.
Hutto ISD
Hutto ISD is continuing to allow practices following guidelines from local and state authorities.
"We are taking all precautions that have been recommended to us and continue to take everything day-by-day and monitor guidance from local and state authorities," said Hutto Coach Bradley LaPlante. "Our athletes and coaches are committed to safety, and we hope conditions in Williamson County allow us to continue with our workouts under these ever-changing conditions. We have great kids who are coming each day on the girls' and boys' side working their tails off for themselves and their teams, and our coaching staff is right beside them every step of the way!"
Lake Travis ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Lake Travis ISD cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
Leander ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Leander ISD, which has some schools in both Travis County and Williamson County, has suspended all in-person camps, activities for arts and athletics.
Pflugerville ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Pflugerville ISD cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8. PISD released its schedule regarding fall sport on July 27. Football can begin practicing Sept. 14 and playing games October 1-3.
Round Rock ISD
Due to Austin-Travis County order, Round Rock ISD, which has some schools in both Travis County and Williamson County, cannot allow extracurricular sports or activities until school systems reopen for on-campus instruction, which will last until at least Sept. 8.
San Marcos CISD
KVUE has reached out to San Marcos CISD for its regulations and guidance and have not yet heard back.
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