Revised Start Date

After receiving notification and new information from our municipal utility districts (MUDs) that serve our campuses, we have learned that several campuses are affected by sewage issues.

Facing these challenges, I have informed the Board of Trustees that I made the decision to delay our school start date to Monday, Sept. 11. All staff will report on Thursday, Sept. 7 to prepare for the revised start date.

I realize this is disappointing to the parents and students who were anxious to return to school, but as I said in the Board meeting, this is a dynamic situation. It is difficult to predict other issues we may face in the coming weeks.

This has been a once-in-a-millennium event for the Greater Houston area. To ensure the immediate needs of our community are met, the school district continues to provide a point of distribution (POD) at the Berry Center through Sunday, Sept. 3 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Because of this delay, we have extended the free feeding sites at Holbrook and Owens elementary schools and Cypress Lakes High School through Sunday, Sept. 10 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

I am so sorry to have to make this change in our school return date. I appreciate your flexibility and continued support as we navigate this historic event.

Please continue to monitor social media and the district website for updated information.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Flood Update

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The flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey has brought dark days—both literally and figuratively—to the Greater Houston community. But, just as the sun came out yesterday, brighter days are ahead for us. 

The major flooding throughout our district and beyond has made it a stressful week as many have lost their homes, vehicles and lives—including one dedicated HPD officer. Simultaneously, I was encouraged (but not surprised) by the outpouring of support from our community, as many faith-based organizations opened up shelters and donation centers. I visited the Berry Center temporary shelter yesterday and was touched by the thousands of donated supplies, plentiful food and dedicated community volunteers available to hundreds of displaced residents. 

We will keep you up to date with the latest shelter news and needs on our @CyFairISD social media accounts and the district website, where we have a page set up with local efforts: www.cfisd.net/cfisdhelps. Please continue to support those in need if you are able. 

While we do know water has breached some of our buildings, we will not be able to fully assess facility damage until water levels subside. To that end, we do not yet know when school will officially begin. We have slated Sept. 5 as our tentative start date, but we must take student and staff safety and a recovery timeline into account. We will keep you updated with new information as we have it so you have plenty of notice for the first day of school.

This has been my fourth major weather event as a superintendent on the Gulf Coast. It does not get any easier, but it does bring out the best in a wonderful community like Cy-Fair. Thank you for your kindness, charity and concern throughout the week. I am proud to be a part of CFISD. 

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.