Austin ISD has continued construction related to school improvements and bond modernization efforts during the city of Austin and Travis County’s stay-at-home order because of education facilities’ statues as essential infrastructure.

According to a March 30 message by Nicole Conley, the district’s chief business and operations officer, active work sites are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Contractors are also being required to provide a coronavirus-related safety plan to the district, according to Conley.

“We are working diligently to maintain everyone’s safety while keeping all bond projects on schedule,” she wrote in the message. “Not only does this work keep our fellow community members employed, but it also ensures the district continues to use bond funds wisely and keep our promises to voters. Delaying modernization projects could have a significant negative impact on construction costs, as well as the carefully-coordinated schedules that align school opening dates with the start of fall or spring semesters.”

All AISD campuses are currently closed for instruction through at least April 13 due to the stay-at-home order.