TC Board to consider changing mask policy

TEXARKANA, Texas — The Texarkana College Board of Trustees will look to consider an update to its COVID-19 task force guidelines, as well as the purchase of property, at a regular meeting on Monday morning.

It is expected that TC will change its mask guidelines from requiring masks to recommending them, following Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order on Tuesday prohibiting governmental entities — including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities or government officials — from requiring or mandating mask wearing.

“At Texarkana College, we have a COVID-19 task force consisting of TC faculty, staff and administrators, that has met several times throughout this last year to develop protocols that has both helped keep our campus as safe as possible and helped keep us in compliance with local, state, and national guidelines and recommendations,” Director of Public Relations Suzanne Irwin said.

“Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), the Task Force met and reviewed the proposed Phase 7 protocols that will be presented to TC’s board of trustees on May 24 for final approval.”

Property acquisition

In other news, the property TC will consider purchasing is located at 2501 College Dr. It is near the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Center, near the northeast corner of the campus.

The board will also consider personnel items, a bank depository contract extension and possibly combining the June and July board meetings.

Following this, an updated 2021/2021 calendar and a request for proposal for a subterranean storm drainage system will be considered, as well as the possible approval of Phase 3 for the schools STEM remodeling.

Before adjourning, reports will be made by College President Dr. Jason Smith, Vice President of Finance Kim Jones, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Donna McDaniel and Dean of Students Robert Jones.

The meeting will convene at 11:30 a.m. in the Truman Arnold Student Center at the Great Room, 2500 North Robison Road.