Leander ISD is suspending all extra- and co-curricular activities until further notice.
We are waiting for additional guidance from the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which we expect this week. We also requested a response from the Austin-Travis County Health Department to clarify or modify their order dated July 14 regarding extracurricular activities.
“This decision does not come lightly or without consideration for all students and staff,” Superintendent Bruce Gearing, Ed.D. said. “While I realize these activities are important to our students, it is in the best interest of the safety of our students and staff to suspend all activities at this time. I look forward to further guidance from our public health and governing partners later this week.”
The decision to suspend all activities comes after we announced the school year will start at home for all students participating in 100% Virtual Empowered Learning from Aug. 13 – Sept. 7. We hope to reopen school buildings for students on Sept. 8.
“We’re taking this action, which we hope will be temporary, after extensive discussion with and feedback from board members, cabinet members, the district nurse, district emergency management personnel, legal counsel, and after reviewing community feedback gathered through the governance team email,” Gearing said.
Strength and conditioning camps had been operating under public health and UIL guidelines since June. As confirmed cases and hospitalizations due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to increase in the Austin area, Texas, and the nation, the Austin-Travis County Health Department released a new order on July 14 requiring all schools to remain virtual without in-person learning or activities.
In preparation for the start of school on Aug. 13 and the eventual return to in-person learning, Leander ISD staff will continue working on procedures, local guidelines, and planning. Please visit our Launch to Learning 2020-21 website for details.
