Masks are welcomed, but not required or provided. Executive Order GA-36 signed by Governor Greg Abbott on May 18, 2021, prohibits governmental agencies from mandating face coverings. While opinions vary, personal choice about mask-wearing is always to be respected by staff, students, parents, and visitors.

Lubbock ISD prioritizes student and staff health and wellness as we work together to minimize the spread of communicable diseases in our community. As always:

• It is expected that if a student or staff member feels unwell or has a fever of 100.0 degrees or higher, they should stay home until they are well or cleared by a medical professional.

• Students who show atypical symptoms of being ill at school will be evaluated by the nurse. The nurse will determine whether the child can remain at school or will consult with the parent/guardian on appropriate action.

• Students who are absent for any reason will follow regular attendance guidelines as outlined in the Lubbock ISD Student Handbook. Procedures for obtaining make-up work for any missed school days should be handled directly with the student’s teacher.

Lubbock ISD classrooms, buses, and other frequently-used spaces will continue to be cleaned regularly per district guidelines.

• Hand sanitizer and surface cleaner is available and will be used as needed throughout the school day.

• Outdoor learning spaces will be used when possible.

• All approved visitors may visit campuses, but a photo ID is required at the front office when signing in for a visit to receive approval before gaining access.

• Social distancing and spacing between family groups during campus events is encouraged.

Staff Procedures

If an employee believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms, testing is encouraged. Close contact is defined as less than six feet for a 15-minute or longer exposure to someone who is COVID-19 positive.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please fill out the district reporting form.

Returning to work:

• An employee who has a positive COVID-19 test will need to isolate for at least five days. Employees who are fever free for 24 hours and have improving symptoms may return to work on day six. 

• Day 0 is the day of a positive test.

Student Procedures

If a parent or guardian believes their child has been exposed to COVID or is exhibiting symptoms, testing is encouraged. Close contact is defined as less than six feet for a 15-minute or longer exposure to someone who is COVID-19 positive.

If your child tested positive for COVID-19, please fill out the district reporting form.

Students who are suspected of having COVID-19 must meet the following conditions to return to school:

• For children with symptoms, at least five days have passed since symptom onset and they must be fever free with improved symptoms.

• Children who test positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms must stay home until at least five days since the day they were tested.

• Day 0 is the day symptoms began or the day of a positive test.

On October 13, 2022, Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees approved a Second Addendum to Granting of Extended paid sick leave during COVID-19 Pandemic. The resolution states "This extended paid leave begins on August 2, 2021, and expires on May 26, 2023, at the end of the 2023 spring semester." Additional paid leave to all regular employees, both contractual and non-contractual, salaried and non-salaried, who test positive for COVID-19 or to care for their school-aged dependent, who test positive for COVID-19, is extended until May 26, 2023.  

• The authority granted by this resolution to provide additional paid leave will be for a maximum of ten (10) work days with proof of a positive COVID-19.  

• Employees who have already consumed 10 working days of leave for COVID-19 PRIOR to October 13, 2022 will be granted an additional 5 (FIVE) days for COVID-19 leave as defined below.

• If an employee has not consumed any days of leave for COVID-19 since August 2, 2021, they will have access to a maximum of 10 work days for COVID leave as defined below. 

• Once an employee has consumed/used all available COVID-19 days for this time period (August 2, 2021 - May 26, 2023), no other additional days of COVID-19 paid pandemic leave is available/paid to each employee.

 COVID-19 Pandemic Leave Process:

• If positive, do not come to work.

• Immediately notify your principal or supervisor.

• Enter your absences as SICK LEAVE.

• A COVID-19 report must be completed for staff or school-aged dependent by completing the required Google form.

• Positive test results must be attached to the report.

• Test results must be from a physician’s office, laboratory or an official testing site.

• Home tests will NOT be accepted.

If and when approved for COVID-19 leave, it will be reclassified prior to the next month’s payroll period if the reclassification is made prior to the 10th of the month (reclassified to COVID-19 protocol code once verified and approved by Health Services/Paulett Rozneck).  

It is the employee’s responsibility to follow the testing, reporting and leave process relating to COVID-19 - failure to do so will result in no additional paid leave granted under the COVID-19 Second Addendum as approved by the Board of Trustees.