Weather causes school closure

By Sandy Morris

With many roadways still covered by a combination of snow and ice, Albany ISD officials decided late Wednesday morning to cancel all classes for the rest of the week. Students and staff had already been out of school the first three days of the week.

When school dismissed last Friday, AISD administrators knew the weather could possibly be an issue for when classes were originally set to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 16 after the President’s Day holiday on Monday.

Thanks to previous school closures due to COVID, administrators were prepared and sent students home with laptops and assignments to be able to continue their studies even if school had to be cancelled. 

After a weekend of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice that continued to stick around for the first part of the week, the initial decision was made to move to remote learning for Tuesday Feb.16, and Wednesday Feb.17. 

However, continued internet and electrical outages caused AISD administrators to make the decision to suspend remote learning and cancel school completely.

“Many of our families are not able to log in online, and the district does not want to punish any student because of an issue outside of their control,” said Albany ISD superintendent Jonathon Scott. 

Because the state has moved the attendance requirement to minutes instead of days, the district needed to document the instruction time on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Scott said the district will figure out where the district stands once they are physically able to return to school.

“We will decide how to use our extra minutes, bad weather days, and TEA waivers after we return,” said Scott.

Nancy Smith Elementary School principal John Gallagher had sent out an email on Monday afternoon advising parents of the switch to remote learning, only to update parents Tuesday morning that school was cancelled on Wednesday. 

“Last Friday, teachers sent home additional student work to be completed on these days,” wrote Gallagher. “Please read through your child’s folders and if your child has paper assignments to complete, we encourage you to work with them.”

Gallagher added that students should take the opportunity if they are able to complete any missing assignments as the end of the six weeks approaches.”

Scott said he realizes the decision to move to remote learning wasn’t ideal for some parents.

“I know closing school is difficult for some,” said Scott, “but it’s better to be safe.”