Going back to school – safely Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) students return to in-person classes next week amidst a public health crisis that has pitted Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt against TPS Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist.

When the 2021-2022 school year begins on August 19th, a recently passed law prevents TPS from mandating masks on school property, despite a local surge in COVID-19 infections that is affecting children in greater numbers and with greater severity due to the Delta variant of the deadly virus.

The governor has spoken out against masking in schools and said he will not declare a state of emergency, the necessary step to authorize the state’s school districts to require the use of masks by students and staff. However, Gist is nevertheless doing what she can to urge parents to have their kids wear masks, and she asks teachers and support staff to mask up as well.

“We are eager to welcome Tulsa students and families back to campus on August 19,” said Gist. “This year, it will be especially important that we each do our part to keep students and teachers together in-person and that means wearing masks on campus, safe distancing as much as possible, and frequent hand-washing. It is also absolutely critical that anyone who is eligible be vaccinated for COVID-19, and we urge every Tulsan to roll up their sleeve and get the vaccine before the new school year.”

In an August 6th press release, TPS stated that its policies are guided by federal and local health authorities, and that when it comes to school buses, federal requirements supersede the unwillingness of the governor and Republican state legislators to take action.

“Tulsa Public Schools continues to work with the Tulsa Health Department to closely monitor health conditions and their impact on schools and safety,” TPS stated. “The district’s expectation is that every adult and student - regardless of vaccination status wears a mask at all times indoors and outdoors when in the presence of others. Consistent with federal orders for masking on public conveyances from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks will be required on all Tulsa Public Schools buses.”

This means that kids taking the bus to school will at least arrive wearing masks, which they hopefully will continue wearing throughout the school day.

Without doubt it has been a difficult year for students and teachers alike, and once the vaccines are approved for children aged 5-11 – currently only those 12 and older are eligible to get the shots – the situation is expected to improve substantially.

“We are following the local data about the COVID-19 Delta variant closely, and we know it is highly transmissible and more infectious for youth,” Gist said. “It is important to remember that while the COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 12 and older, we still have approximately 17,200 children in our system who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Please - protect your children and your community by getting vaccinated today.”

The CDC recommends that all children ages 12 and older be vaccinated for COVID19 before returning to school. Parents can visit vaccinate.oklahoma.gov to schedule an appointment or text their zip code to 438829 to find a vaccination site. Families can also get a free ride to their vaccination appointment by visiting www.lyft.com/vax or calling Gogo Ride Service at 1-855-921-0033. Spanish language services are available.

Families can find information about TPS’ health and safety plans at www.tulsaschools.org/safety. (La Semana)