Cy-Fair ISD Superintendent Mark Henry issued a second statement Feb. 19 regarding the district's response to this week's winter storm. More than 60 of the campuses throughout the district had water damage, with three campuses sustaining "major damage." Some schools did not take on damage but had plumbing issues in portable buildings, he said.
District officials said they are confident there will be an adequate supply of food and beverage for all students by Feb. 22, but drinking water quality continues to be monitored while portions of the district are under boil-water notices.
"As you know, we missed four days of student instruction last week during a year when we have already lost so much time. While we are very thankful to have a waiver for those days, we know that there is much remediation that needs to occur in the 15 available instructional days between now and spring break," Henry said.
CFISD's operations team is working to prepare facilities for students to return Feb. 22, but there is a possibility it could be a remote learning day or a staff workday with no remote learning. Henry said a final decision will be made by 2 p.m. Feb. 21.
Originally posted Feb. 18 at 5:05 p.m.
Cy-Fair ISD students will not have to make up the four days missed due to the winter storm that forced campuses to close from Feb. 16-19 following Presidents’ Day on Feb. 15.
District officials can request waivers for excused absences or reduced attendance rates due to inclement weather, similar to the waivers used when Hurricane Harvey made landfall in 2017. Superintendent Mark Henry confirmed the Texas Education Agency approved the district’s request in a Feb. 18 statement.
“Although we lost a week of instruction, we will make sure our students catch up while providing additional support for those who need it,” Henry said.
Several campuses took on water damage as much of Cy-Fair experienced burst pipes due to below-freezing temperatures and extended power outages. Henry said despite the damage, staff members are working hard to make necessary repairs to have students back on campuses as soon as possible.
Power outages throughout the week also led to the loss of food supply at many schools, Henry said, and many also lost reliable water sources during that time. Curbside meal pickup services are slated to resume as scheduled Feb. 23.
“I am very thankful for our outstanding maintenance and operations teams, who have already made great progress with inspection, clean-up and repairs that will continue throughout the weekend,” he said. “Kudos to all the staff members working overtime to help us safely resume our school year as soon as possible. We are still hopeful that we will be able to return on Monday.”
Henry said district officials will be communicating additional details about specific campuses over the weekend. For districtwide updates, visit www.cfisd.net.
