The Austin Independent School District announced Monday it will close schools through April 3 out of concern over COVID-19. Classes are expected to resume April 6.
The move follows the city's ban on gatherings of more than 250 people through May 1. The district says it is planning to work with teachers and staff to develop procedures for at-home learning.
Superintendent Paul Cruz said teachers and staff will get information before March 23 about how to telework and address remote learning.
"Now that does not mean to come to work, come to the facility," he said.
Cruz said the district will continue to feed families who rely on the free and reduced-priced lunch program. AISD will offer breakfast and lunch at 28 buildings across the district, starting March 23. H-E-B announced Monday it is donating $100,000 to Austin ISD to help feed families during the crisis.
"In this situation, for two weeks, it's pretty significant, I get it, I do," Cruz said. "But we're in constant communication with our health experts and also with city leadership to make sure we're making the best decisions for our students and our families."
At an emergency school board meeting Friday, trustees passed a resolution that allows the district to continue paying employees during the closure and to let Cruz buy items related to online learning or cleaning services, without the board's prior approval.
Here's a list of other local school district closures:
- Austin ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Bastrop ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Del Valle ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Dripping Springs ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Eanes ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Elgin ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Georgetown ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Hays CISD: Classes resume April 6
- Lake Travis ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Leander ISD: Classes resume April 6
- Manor ISD: Classes resume March 30
- Pflugerville ISD: Classes resume March 30
- Round Rock ISD: Classes resume April 6
- San Marcos CISD: Classes resume April 6
This post has been updated.
