Hutto ISD to close all campuses Jan. 17-19 due to overwhelming COVID-19 absences

Hutto ISD will close all campus operations Jan. 17-19 due to an overwhelming number of students and staff testing positive for COVID-19.

In a letter to students, parents and staff, HISD Superintendent Celina Estrada Thomas said 200 staff members and 1,680 students were absent Jan. 14.

"Our goal with closing for two days is to allow time for our staff and students to get healthy enough to return to teaching and learning," Thomas said in the letter.

Thomas added there is no virtual option for in-home learning at this time, and the plan is for students and staff to return to campuses by Jan. 20.

According to district information, all high school athletic events will continue as scheduled as long as coaches and students are healthy, and transportation services will resume with some modifications Jan. 20.

Students and staff are still highly encouraged to wear masks upon returning to campus, and cafeteria menu options will be limited due to staffing shortages in that department, the letter states.

District officials are also seeking any volunteers who can help fill gaps in coverage across a number of different needs. For more information on volunteering to help HISD, click here.