Georgetown ISD emerges from Texas storm largely unscathed

Georgetown ISD was one of the few Central Texas districts that was able to open every campus following a week of record-breaking freezes from a series of winter storms.

GISD canceled classes Feb. 12 as an icy and snowy storm made its way to Texas. The district was already scheduled to be closed Feb. 15-17 for teacher professional learning and workdays. Those events were canceled, as were classes Feb. 18-19.

Superintendent Fred Brent said after a final assessment of the district’s facilities Feb. 21, it was determined students could return to in-person and virtual learning safely Feb. 22.

Brent added that while the district did sustain some damage at some of its support facilities, including concession stands and restrooms at secondary athletic fields, the district plans to bring in portable toilets to those facilities, as they may remain inoperable for a period of time until repairs are made.

“I’m thankful for the leadership of the men and women who helped us open up our schools on time. I’m very proud,” Brent said during a Feb. 23 school board meeting.

While students lost three educational days, Brent said the district is submitting a waiver to the state so that those days will not need to be made up.

He said a resolution will also be presented to the board during its March meeting to request pay for all district employees during those days of closure.

“We did it, and I’m thankful,” Brent said.