What do Texans do when their usually hot weather suddenly turns into a snowman-making climate or their roads are suddenly flooded? Junior Kailie Dubbs expressed that the unpredictability of Texas weather leaves her and her family anxious when loved ones have to commute to work or school during unfamiliar inclement weather. AISD has protocols in place to protect students and staff if such hazardous weather occurs.
“I was hoping they would cancel school during the February freeze because the roads were very slippery, and it was still snowing when we were getting on the bus,” Dubbs said. “I don’t particularly trust Texan drivers in such severe weather that we’re not accustomed to, nor are our tires.”
According to the AISD website, the decision to cancel or postpone classes due to extreme weather is based on analyzing all available information. The district is responsible for monitoring local forecasts and overseeing information regarding roadway conditions provided by the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
The final decision to cancel or delay school is made by AISD’s superintendent, Matias Segura. Segura’s decision is determined after meeting with Austin Homeland Security Emergency Management.
“I just wrapped up our winter weather event, Regional Call, which includes the city of Austin, Travis County, ACC, and the University of Texas,” Segura said in a statement on Instagram. “We get updates on the weather, and with that update, I’ve decided to move forward out of an abundance of caution and go ahead and close schools on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.”
AISD advises students, parents, and staff to watch their phones during and/or in anticipation of hazardous weather, as information regarding school schedule changes will be posted on all AISD social accounts. To receive school delay updates through text message, the AISD website advises that contact information is up to date in Frontline SIS in the Parent Portal.
