TEXAS — As Texas continues to report upward of 50,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day and the Austin-Travis County region remains in Stage 5 of risk-based guidelines, the nearly unchecked spread of the virus is affecting several local schools.
Pflugerville ISD will be closed Friday, Jan. 21 and Monday, Jan. 24 due to COVID staffing shortages. According to Superintendent Dr. Douglas Killian, even with administrative staff working as substitute teachers and other teachers and staff covering classes around campus, it simply is not enough. Additional minutes have been added to the school calendar to make up for these dates, and as of now, the school district will not have to use its bad-weather days.
Pflugerville ISD is not moving virtual, as it says the staffing shortages will also extend to online learning. All athletics and fine arts events will continued as scheduled. Capacity at all events will still remain limited.
Dr. Killian added that the school district is in need of substitute teachers/guest educators who have a high school diploma. They will be asked to attend an orientation before teaching at the school. He said despite the large need in many areas of the school district including bus drivers and educational aides, they are not receiving enough applicants.
Granger ISD will be closed Jan. 20-21, with instruction returning on Monday, Jan. 24
Free breakfast and lunch will still be provided from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the back of the school
Liberty Hill ISD will be also closed Jan. 20-21 due to COVID and staffing shortages. Campuses will reopen Monday, Jan. 24.
Superintendent Steven Snell said Wednesday marked the sixth consecutive day the school faced more than 100 staff absences. The student attendance rate also dropped from its usual 96% to 82%.
The school district hopes that this two-day closure will allow staff and students to recover.