A letter demanding local control over COVID-19 protocols drafted by the Hays CISD board and Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) on Aug. 30.

At the board meeting Aug. 30, some board members were outspoken about their desire for a mask mandate, despite their hands being tied legally.

“Once upon a time, people told us they wanted us to have local control,” said board member Merideth Keller. “I guess tha...