Following a statewide call on Tuesday between school district superintendents and Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, I wanted to provide an update on plans for the 2020-2021 school year – which remain to be finalized.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the situation remains fluid as we try to determine next steps on what the school year will look like. During his presentation, the commissioner emphasized that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is working with Gov. Greg Abbott’s medical advisors to establish public health guidance for school districts. While preliminary information has been provided by TEA, final guidance will not be available until mid-July.
In the meantime, HISD has formed its own Communicable Diseases Plan Task Force — which is made up of health experts, parents, students, staff, and community members — to help determine guidelines and protocols to resume operations at the campus and administrative levels. The district is considering three options:
- Classes could resume in person.
- Classes could continue to take place entirely online.
- Classes could be held as a combination of in-person and virtual instruction.
We are also gathering feedback through HISD’s COVID-19 Response Parent Survey, which runs through July 2. Parents are asked to complete the survey online at HoustonISD.org/ParentSurvey. Those without internet service may respond to the survey via phone by calling the HISD @ H.O.M.E. hotline at 713-556-INFO (4636).
At this time, HISD has not made a final decision about the opening of the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year. However, we will be providing you with an update on July 15. Please rest assured that any plan will be thoroughly communicated, with safety as our top priority.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we identify school re-opening options that prioritize the health and safety of students, staff, and the community.