Tolleson Elementary School District

Tolleson Elementary School District Superintendent Lupita Hightower is concerned about the rising COVID-19 cases just before the start of the school year, and a new law that blocks mask mandates at schools.

Tolleson Elementary School District students are starting school in less than two weeks, but the threat of new COVID cases is already weighing heavily on Superintendent Lupita Hightower’s mind.

That’s because the majority of her 2,800 students aren’t old enough to get a COVID vaccine, and a new law bans schools from requiring masks.

“(It's) definitely very concerning to have policymakers and the governor really pass laws that are against what the CDC is saying," she said. "It takes local control away from local governing boards."

The threat has also hit close to home since one of her family members recently tested positive. 

“I am a very visible superintendent and very hands-on. Of course the timing is probably never right, but I just really don’t like that I am in this situation right before we welcome all of our teachers," she said. 

Hightower was experiencing mild COVID symptoms last week, and recently tested negative but will continue to isolate at home for the week to be safe. 

In the meantime, Hightower said her district will comply with state law and implement the mitigation strategies that it still has at its disposal. That includes quarantine, physical distancing whenever possible and deep cleaning on a daily basis. The district has also opened a new school, the Tolleson Virtual Academy, to continue offering families who choose a virtual option, but Hightower said a majority of families are opting for in-person classes for their students.