Taylor ISD, Thrall ISD, Granger ISD and Coupland ISD have closed for Friday, Feb. 3, due to the winter weather that has come into the area. They join Hutto ISD and Temple College in closing their campuses Friday. Temple College will have virtual classes.
The announcements came near midday Thursday, Feb. 2, as the area begins to slowly recover from winter storms that entered the area and began to move to the east. All noted schools had canceled classes for Thursday. Light precipitation has persisted, and freezing temperatures and bitter wind chills have remained in the area.
"After attending a conference call with the Williamson County Office of Emergency Management, it is clear that roads will remain iced over with freezing temperatures until Saturday afternoon," said Superintendent Devin Padavil. "For this reason, we are closing schools for Friday, Feb. 4."
Since Friday will be a bad-weather day, there will be no extracurricular activities. Rescheduling for sports is to be determined.
"We have minutes built into our calendar for events such as this. The State of Texas also issues waivers to school districts when events impact the entire state," said Padavil. "For these reasons, we do not anticipate the need to make up these days at the end of the year."
Padavil encouraged the school community to reach out if they need assistance. He also mentioned that Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry & Ministries is ready to provide basic needs such as food, water and more during the storm by calling 512-352-5553.
"We do not take the decision to close schools lightly," said Padavil, "because we prioritize the growth and learning of our students."
Thrall ISD announced all activities will be canceled until Saturday if road conditions improve.
"Our District is committed to the safety and education of all our students and staff," said Superintendent Tommy Hooker. "Unless this day is waived by the Texas Education Agency, we plan to make up the day on Thursday, Feb. 17, and Friday, Feb. 18, which is currently a weather make-up day on the calendar."
At Granger ISD, Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin commented on how the closures affect her school's calendar.
"We will not have to make these days or time up," said Neatherlin, "because we built a district calendar with more minutes than required by law for situations such as these."
Like the other school districts, Hutto ISD made the decision for the closure due to possible ice on the roadways, making travel unsafe. The district announced Thursday that the clsoure was extended into Friday.
“While the district had a surplus of instructional minutes to cover Thursday, a make-up day will be required for the Friday closure,” said Superintendent Celina Thomas. “Students will attend classes on Friday, April 15.”
Hutto ISD activities — practices, rehearsals, games — are canceled. Some athletic events will be rescheduled on Saturday morning, Feb. 5. Athletes and parents should check in with their respective coaches.
Friday is designated as a staff non-work day at Hutto ISD since the district will have to make up the day on April 15. Hourly employees should watch for a communication from the payroll department for completing timesheets. Anyone scheduled for close contact COVID-19 testing will need to come for testing on Monday, Feb. 7.
Meanwhile, Temple College's local campuses will be shut down, but classes will go on.
"Due to inclement weather and safety concerns, Temple College will close all campuses – including those in Taylor and Hutto – Thursday and Friday," said Eric Eckert, Temple College, executive director of strategic communications and outreach at Temple College, "and will move to remote services and online learning. Campuses will maintain regular business hours via remote services."
Travel continues to be hazardous on elevated bridges, overpasses and untreated roads from freezing rain and sleet. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Williamson County Thursday from midnight to 9 p.m.
