Winter weather event update #2

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I wanted to provide you with a brief update following yesterday’s communication to the community.

Our CFISD police officers and facilities, maintenance and operations teams have continued to conduct building assessments and make repairs. More than 60 of our campuses sustained some level of water damage, with three schools suffering major damage. Many facilities are in excellent condition but have portable buildings that sustained damage to plumbing. We are also monitoring the availability of potable water, as numerous schools are currently in areas with boil-water alerts. While we had to dispose of many campus food supplies, our nutrition services team is confident that we will have sufficient food and beverages available for all students by Feb. 22.

Our operations team is collaborating with external contractors to get facilities up and running for students on Monday.  Our goal continues to be to bring students back to campuses on Monday, but we need everyone to plan for the possibility of either a remote learning day for students or a staff work day (and no remote learning) on Monday.

As you know, we missed four days of student instruction last week, during a year when we have already lost so much time. While we are very thankful to have a waiver for those days, we know that there is much remediation that needs to occur in the 15 available instructional days between now and spring break.

We will continue to monitor the situation and assess the ability to provide on-campus instruction on Monday. I will provide you with another update tomorrow, and a final decision will be made regarding Monday no later than 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented statewide winter freeze event. We know it is a stressful time for many of you. Please hang in there—we will overcome this!

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

Schools Closed Through April 22

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After further assessment of our campuses, as well as input from the Harris County Flood Control District and emergency response teams in our area, I have made the difficult decision to keep CFISD schools and facilities closed through Friday, April 22.

As I shared in my April 19 post, hundreds of residents have been displaced by flood waters, and many of you are still not able to leave your homes or neighborhoods. The threat to homes grows each day as Cypress Creek and Addicks Reservoir levels rise from the stormwater runoff. Houston TranStar and county officials have shared with me that we are at “ground zero” of this weather event.

This has resulted in many of our roadways being unsafe for travel for both bus drivers and commuters alike. Please continue to exercise caution if travel is a necessity.

I have spoken with Texas Education Agency officials, and they have been very understanding of the magnitude of this disaster. The TEA is working closely with us to determine our options going forward.

Again, school closure is not a decision I take lightly, but it is currently the best option for all our students and staff as we support those who have lost everything and ensure all buildings are safe for school.

Please continue to monitor the district website and social media pages for official updates.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.

CFISD Schools Closed

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After meeting with district leadership today, I have decided to keep CFISD schools and facilities closed tomorrow, Wednesday, April 20.

The decision to close schools is never made easily, but the effects of a flood as severe as this one leave cancellation as the best option. The flooding caused damage to several of our campuses, and our staff have done a tremendous job of working around the clock to prepare them for students. However, the high water over many thoroughfares and neighborhood streets makes transportation impossible. School closure, although unfortunate, will best ensure the safety of all our students and employees.

County officials are urging residents to stay off the roadways, and I support this recommendation unless travel is an absolute necessity.

Many in our community have lost everything. I am troubled by this, yet encouraged by the response of several of our campuses to assist families in need. More information on relief efforts can be found on the American Red Cross website.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all as we get through this difficult time. I am proud to be a part of the CFISD community, and I know we will bounce back strong.

~ Mark Henry, Ed.D.