During a conference call with media April 6, the district reported that Patricia “Pati” Hernandez, a longtime food service employee who has worked at the cafeteria in Casis Elementary School in Central Austin for the past 10 years, passed away April 2.
While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, Hernandez had previously tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Working at the campus for 10 years, she was definitely a beloved member of our family,” Principal Sam Tinnon said. “Our cafeteria staff was very small, so they share memories together. She was just a sweet person and very well-loved on our campus.”
According to Executive Director of Communications Reyne Telles, the Casis Elementary cafeteria has not been open since the district's most recent school day, March 12. Hernandez has also not participated in meal preparation or distribution at any of the district’s curbside pickup locations.
Telles said he does not believe there is any need for district employees or families picking up meals to have a heightened level of alarm going forward due to Hernandez’s passing.
Austin ISD is scheduled to host a special board of trustees meeting April 6 at 6 p.m., which will be streamed online. The district will provide an additional coronavirus update at the meeting after an executive session is held, according to the meeting's agenda.
