COVID and legal issues in schools

I came across this ABC news story identifying potential legal exposure stemming from mask mandates and the legal responsibility for providing a safe environment. Schools are in a very difficult situation with some states attempting to legally prevent schools from imposing a mandate. Districts that have decided to oppose antimask positions have been threatened with loss of revenue from the state. Whatever side of this issue citizens take, it seems obvious to me that schools are very vulnerable to suits whether it be the denial or individual rights or the failure to adequately protect students. If this starts happening, I would predict a strong move to distance learning as a remedy.