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San Antonio Independent School District Closes All Schools Due to Severe Weather-Related Damages
In response to rising temperatures in the coming days, the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has made the crucial decision to close all schools for the remainder of the week. This drastic measure follows a “significant systemwide failure” that has caused extensive damage to district buildings amid unseasonably cold weather recently. Officials are prioritizing student and staff safety as they address the challenges posed by these unforeseen conditions.
Assessment of Damage Leads to Comprehensive School Closures
The decision to shut down all schools was made after an announcement late Tuesday indicated that 20 campuses would close on Wednesday to evaluate the damage, followed by an early morning update revealing that an additional eight schools would also be affected. District leaders have acknowledged that the full extent of the damage remains undetermined, prompting the need for all schools to be closed while assessments are conducted. This ensures that proper evaluations can take place without the added pressure of operating schools during this critical time.
Leadership Accountability and Future Infrastructure Evaluations
After expressing apologies for the situation, Superintendent Pedro Aquino stated that the district will take a comprehensive look at its programs and infrastructure. He emphasized that the roles of individuals involved will be thoroughly examined, highlighting the district’s commitment to accountability. “There is going to be accountability,” Aquino declared during a press conference, indicating a strong stance on ensuring those responsible are held to a standard that prioritizes student safety and operational integrity.
Formation of a Special Committee to Investigate Current Issues
SAISD Board President Christina Martinez announced that trustees will establish a special committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the closures. This committee will be led by Leticia Ozuna, an engineer and former City Council member, underscoring the importance of bringing expertise to address these pressing issues. “I just want to assure all of our families and our students that we take this very seriously,” she noted, thanking the community for their understanding and patience throughout this crisis.
Utilization of School Closure Days for Planning and Outreach
During this unexpected closure, teachers will utilize the time for critical planning and engaging with parents to ensure that students remain supported. Superintendent Aquino indicated that students will need to make up the lost instructional hours throughout the remainder of the academic year, emphasizing the district’s commitment to educational continuity despite these challenges. This approach aims to minimize the impact of the closures on students’ learning experiences.
Prior to the recent cold snap, the school district had shared detailed plans with campus leaders, advising that heating systems should operate continuously at all district facilities. This was part of a proactive strategy to manage the effects of the arctic blast that brought temperatures well below freezing.
Failure to Follow Directives Leads to Systemic Issues
However, Superintendent Aquino reported that some campus staff did not adhere to these directives, resulting in a cascade of failures related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with other essential services. Despite this, he acknowledged that the decision not to close campuses initially was ultimately his responsibility. “I take full responsibility for making the wrong call,” stated Aquino, who has been leading the district since May 2022. This admission underscores his commitment to transparency and accountability in the face of adversity.
Community Impact and Response to School Conditions
In a letter sent to parents late Tuesday, the superintendent mentioned that the decision not to close the district was reached in collaboration with other local education leaders, primarily due to the lack of anticipated precipitation. As temperatures plummeted into the teens on Tuesday morning, many parents opted to keep their children home. Those who attended school encountered cold classrooms, disorganized environments, and some facilities experiencing broken pipes and lack of running water. To mitigate these issues, students were kept in the warmest areas of the buildings, and bottled water was distributed due to non-functioning water fountains.
Ongoing Assessments Reveal the Extent of Damage
As SAISD progresses in evaluating the condition of its facilities, the extent of the damage is becoming more apparent. The district is in the process of closing and consolidating more than a dozen campuses, particularly those with older infrastructure that may be more susceptible to such extreme weather conditions. Superintendent Aquino emphasized that the financial implications of the damage, while important, should not overshadow the emotional and community impact. “This is not about money in dollars,” he remarked. “Really, in terms of the damage, the damage is to our community, our staff, and our students. We did not deliver.”
Recent Renovations and Student Communication During Closures
Notably, some of the closed buildings, including Burbank High School, had recently undergone renovations funded by bond initiatives that included significant HVAC upgrades. On Wednesday, reports indicated that students and teachers learned of the closures through media outlets before receiving official communication from the district, raising concerns about the effectiveness of information dissemination. Attendance was significantly affected, with 70% of students present as 28 schools closed due to damages, including the eight closures announced in the early morning hours.
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