By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Texas Education Agency announced last week that it would take the lead in acquiring and distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to school districts across the state for the start of the next school year. 

Leander ISD is scheduled to receive nearly 3,800 gallons of hand sanitizer, 146,000+ gloves, nearly 369,000 disposable masks, 92,000+ reusable masks, and 303 thermometers, according to Bruce Gearing, LISD superintendent.

TEA is still working on the logistics of the PPE distribution, which will be tied to the number of students and staff members in each district, but the agency notes that the PPE should arrive at districts between mid-July and early August. 

It’s also expected that TEA will release guidance on reopening campuses next week, likely expanding on what was already released for summer school operations.

TEA stated that it is “scrutinizing this guidance carefully, as we realize the deep concern school employees, parents, and students have about returning to campuses.”

TEA stated that “we’re hopeful that this bold and much-needed initiative will be implemented properly, particularly since many districts are now altering their calendars to start in early August.”

LISD has stated it will start school on Aug. 13. The LISD board is expected to announce a decision on what the 2020-21 school year will look like at its July 23 meeting. LISD is considering different teaching scenarios ranging from traditional to remote learning and/or a hybrid.