UPDATED: Fort Bend ISD cancels school through April 10

Updated March 16, 5:43 p.m.

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre announced the district would suspend all normal operations through April 10, according to a March 16 FBISD release.

The release states that Dupre took the action in an effort to implement social distancing protocols and halt the number of new cases of coronavirus.

The district will continue to plan for long-term delivery of instruction outside of the classroom, according to the release.

Posted March 12, 4:37 p.m.

In a release to parents and the community, Fort Bend ISD announced it is canceling school for two weeks following spring break, citing rising numbers of coronavirus cases in Texas and the Greater Houston area.

“As a school district of our size, we have to take every precaution possible to avoid the health crisis that is happening in other parts of the country and the world. This closure is not a reaction, but a precaution. It is up to all of us to make decisions for our entire community,” Superintendent Charles Dupre said in a news release.

The district decided to suspend classes because of the threat of disease spread throughout the Fort Bend County community, the release said.

“We recognize that we are the largest employer in Fort Bend County, and with more than 78,000 students and 11,000 staff members in our schools each day, this decision is being made so that we can help protect our community at large,” Dupre said. “This includes our staff, students, and their families—which include some of the most vulnerable to this virus.”

The release said essential FBISD staff will report to work on March 16, and the district will use this time to finalize online learning logistics and training for staff if an extended district closure becomes necessary.

Students were supposed to return from spring break March 16; however, FBISD said in the release classes will now be suspended through at least March 30.

FBISD said during the two weeks without school, the district will not have any after-school, extracurricular activities, district-sponsored events or extended day programs. Information on UIL events will be communicated from state UIL officials.

FBISD is working on plans to continue meals for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

There have been six presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Fort Bend County. On March 12, Fort Bend County Judge KP George signed a public health emergency declaration, and Houston-area officials recommended gatherings of more than 250 people be canceled or postponed.

For the latest communication from FBISD, click here. To stay up to date on the latest coronavirus information in the Houston area, follow Community Impact Newspaper's ongoing coverage.