[Updated at 3:15 p.m. CST]

Round Rock ISD Superintendent Steve Flores issued a response regarding the late announcement of canceled classes at 12:15 p.m. His letter to parents and students is as follows:

Dear Round Rock ISD Community,

Allow me to take a moment to apologize for the timing of our Round Rock ISD notifications regarding today's schedule changes. It is fully understood that as a result of our late notifications, many of our dedicated employees and students were already making their way to school and work in deteriorating driving conditions.

Any time severe weather threatens Central Texas, Round Rock ISD confers with local emergency management and law enforcement agencies throughout the evening and morning hours. The district's transportation department scouted road conditions across our 110 square mile district, so we could make an informed decision on whether to send buses out by 6 a.m. As the buses began their routes, and shortly thereafter, measurable precipitation began falling.

It is important to note, we took part in a weather conference call at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. this morning and the information available at that time indicated roads would be clear and safe for travel. This led to my decision to continue with regular school schedules. Knowing Texas weather can change rapidly, we were all on alert to modify plans if needed.

As the Superintendent of Schools, I take full responsibility for any inconvenience and subsequent travel hazards for our staff and students that resulted from my decision. While I am proud of our bus drivers for safely transporting students and our campus employees for keeping those who made it to school safe, ultimately, student and staff safety is my responsibility.

I take that responsibility seriously and I can assure you that student and staff safety is our most important priority in Round Rock ISD. With that in mind, I will take the input from our community and work with my leadership team to review our processes and procedures.

My apology is extended to each and every Round Rock ISD stakeholder. In conclusion, I value your input and thoughts and share your concerns expressed. As we continue to work together we will do what is in the best interest of our children.

Respectfully,

Steve Flores

Posted Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. CST

Round Rock ISD canceled classes for Jan. 28 because road conditions are not expected to improve until later this afternoon. The cancelation was announced around 9:15 a.m. Jan. 28 after the district had planned to delay classes by two hours.

Children who are already at school will be supervised by district staff for the day, according to RRISD. Parents may pick up their children when road conditions improve. Buses will run on a regular schedule at the end of the school day.

"We sincerely apologize for the late decision on delaying school today and then canceling classes," said JoyLynn Occhiuzzi, RRISD's executive director of community relations, in a news release. "District officials make decisions based on the information on-hand, and in this case weather conditions changed after our buses began routes. Please know that it was not our intent to put students, parents and staff in harms way."

For more updates and information, visit the district's website, www.roundrockisd.org