Joining other Central Texas area school districts in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and keeping students and staff safe, Dripping Springs ISD officials Monday suspended normal school operations from March 23-April 3.
In an email to parents, Todd Washburn, DSISD Superintendent, said students and staff should not return to their campuses until notified.
During the two-week hiatus, DSISD facilities will be closed for instruction and all other functions until further notice, Washburn said. That includes UIL events, athletics, rentals, field trips and after-school programs.
“This closure will provide us with time to assess the situation, respond to ongoing developments and evaluate the approach for the coming weeks,” Washburn wrote in his email.
In addition, the DSISD Board of Trustees will hold an emergency meeting Monday will vote on a resolution giving Washburn the authority to make decisions for staff and students. Washburn said that would include giving him the ability to ensure permanent employees are paid during the closure, sign any possible state waivers including student attendance, and provide food service for eligible students.
Washburn added the resolution, should it be approved by the board, would provide him with the ability to allocate resources to get schools read to re-open, which includes deep cleaning.
“My hope is that these actions will help to alleviate some of the anxiety that our families may be feeling concerning the health of their children attending school and to build confidence in the effort we are taking to support the academic and health needs of our students,” Washburn wrote.
DSISD officials said they will continue to coordinate with city, county and state officials, as well as other school districts, regarding this event. DSISD will reassess and communicate additional information to parents by April 2.
District officials will also send additional information to parents regarding plans to provide instructional support and resources to students remotely and provide meals to eligible students.
“As we enter into these uncharted times together, I encourage you to be safe, be kind and be healthy,” Washburn said.
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