Klein ISD officials have canceled all proms and graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020, according to a July 16 news release.

"While we know this announcement will come as a disappointment to many, we have a responsibility to put the health and safety of everyone in our charge above all else," the statement reads. "We sincerely hoped that COVID-19 conditions would have improved by this time, but as they have not, this difficult and disappointing decision is the responsible thing to do for the health and safety of our community."

The decision comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Harris County tops 50,000 and hospitalizations reach a record-high of 2,783 as of July 15.

In mid-May, KISD announced plans to hold a single, in-person graduation event at NRG Stadium on Aug. 1. However plans changed a month later to host smaller, school-specific ceremonies over the course of two days in late July and early August. The district had also scheduled a to-go prom event for students between July 17-25.

KISD high school seniors were considered officially graduated on May 30 during a virtual "Turn the Tassel" ceremony, and diplomas have since been distributed.