[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.
