Hurricane (Half)Day

This just in from Austin Independent School District:

All campuses in Austin ISD will be released early on Friday, September 12, due to anticipated heavy vehicle traffic on Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 290, and other major roadways, as residents from along the Gulf Coast move inland to escape Hurricane Ike.

The announcement was made after consultation with the National Weather Service and with the District’s partners in the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center. “This is a precautionary step to remove students and buses from the roadways as early as possible. We are expecting a great deal of traffic from evacuees on local roads and highways. The safety of students is our first consideration.” Dr. Forgione said.

The dismissal schedule for Austin ISD is as follows:

Noon – Elementary Schools. There will be no after-school care for students.
1 p.m. – Middle Schools, including Kealing magnet students who ride Capital Metro buses.
2 p.m. – High Schools (except LBJ and the Liberal Arts & Science Academy)

Because of unique transportation issues, LBJ High School and LASA will dismiss at Noon instead of 2p.m.