HOUSTON – Texas State Teachers Association has one clear message to Gov. Greg Abbott: keep all schools closed for the remainder of the school year. The association started a petition, noting school closures would keep students, educators, and communities safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. The association also recommended the government keep school districts funded to avoid layoffs and assist in paying hourly workers, such as education support professionals. Do the right thing to keep kids, educators, and communities safe,” Texas State Teachers Association wrote in the petition.