Port Arthur schools to require masks

In a message from Port Arthur ISD (PAISD) Superintendent Dr. Mark Porterie issued on Friday, Aug. 20, all staff, students and visitors will be required to wear masks when at any of the district’s campuses or buildings beginning Monday, Aug. 23.

“I cannot stand by and not do anything,” Porterie explained in his directive, pointing to a rise in COVID-19 community-wide and local hospitals operating at capacity – and beyond. According to Porterie, even with the recent trend in mass infection, upwards of 40% of PAISD staff has chosen not to be vaccinated.

Attached is Porterie's full statement.