AISD Starting Two Hours Late on Thursday

Austin ISD says:

AISD will resume classes on Thursday, January 18, on a two-hour delayed schedule.

January 17, 2007 – The Austin School District will resume classes on Thursday, January 18, on a two-hour delayed schedule. All school buses will pick up students two hours later than their regular schedule, and all classes at the elementary, middle and high school level, will start two hours later than normal.

Transportation that Capital Metro buses provide daily for students who attend the Liberal Arts & Science Academy at LBJ High School, the Kealing Magnet Middle School, and the International High School at Johnston will also run two hours later than normal.

Dismissal of classes and bus routes on Thursday afternoon will be on their normal schedule.

Superintendent Pat Forgione said the two-hour delayed schedule was developed in consultation with City, County, University of Texas, and neighboring school district officials, through the Office of Emergency Management.

The delayed start of Austin schools on Thursday will provide additional time for maintenance crews to prepare areas roadways for increased traffic. The two-hour delay will also allow school principals additional time to make sure their campuses have ample heat, electricity, and running water, and that their walkways are free of ice, before students arrive.

Through the Office of Emergency Management, local officials have tried to ensure that the resumption of schools and other governmental services on Thursday will not overburden the region’s still-limited highway system, brought about by more than three days of ice, sleet, and snow.

This article appears in January 12 • 2007.