After the severe winter storm in Houston and surrounding areas, life is gradually returning to normal, and educational institutions are set to reopen their doors on Tuesday. On Monday afternoon, superintendents from all districts held a crucial meeting to review the latest weather conditions and on-ground realities, after which decisions were made regarding the resumption of classes.
Due to the extreme cold, nearly all public school districts, charter schools, colleges, and universities remained closed on Monday. However, most institutions have now announced that educational activities will resume as usual from Tuesday. This includes two of the state’s largest districts, Houston ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, along with approximately 15 other districts.
Houston ISD stated that the district had already begun precautionary measures before the storm. According to a statement on the district’s website, starting at 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, all educational buildings will undergo inspections of heating systems to ensure a safe and warm environment for students and staff. Officials noted that most heating and HVAC systems can be controlled remotely, school buses are equipped to remain warm, and the bus fleet has been fully winterized, including battery checks, fuel readiness, and driver safety instructions for cold weather.
Tarkington ISD, located in the northeastern part of Greater Houston, is the only district that will remain closed on Tuesday. The district’s website reported that a burst pipe caused severe water leakage, affecting the water supply in several educational facilities.
Conroe ISD advised parents and students to make decisions based on their own circumstances, as temperatures during early morning bus arrivals and school commutes could be extremely low. Katy ISD, where the storm caused significant local impact, will reopen on Tuesday, but information about sports, arts, and other activities will be provided directly by coaches and directors.
Spring ISD warned that some bus routes may experience delays and urged parents to plan accordingly, allowing extra time for travel.
Higher education institutions are also resuming classes on Tuesday. The University of Houston announced that its campus will reopen for classes, while Lone Star College and Houston Community College are also opening their campuses. Rice University, which held online classes on Monday, confirmed that all services, activities, and classes will resume as usual from Tuesday.
Charter school networks have also confirmed the return to normal schedules. KIPP Schools stated that no classes are planned to be canceled on Tuesday across Houston, while YES Prep Schools confirmed that classes and after-school programs will continue according to their regular schedules.
