Dear Team HISD:

As we continue to closely monitor COVID-19, HISD is following local, state, and national recommendations on decisions regarding our students and schools.

As districts around the state and across the country continue to grapple with how to proceed in this unprecedented challenge to public health and education, the Houston Independent School District supports the nation’s need to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, HISD will extend its districtwide closure through Friday, April 10. HISD schools and offices are scheduled to reopen on Monday, April 13.

As we navigate uncharted territory with the impact of COVID-19, HISD is fully committed to supporting not only our students and families, but also our hard-working staff. The Board of Education will be asked to consider a resolution authorizing payment for employees who would not typically receive payment when the district is closed.

District administration will re-evaluate on Monday, April 6, to determine whether a longer closure beyond April 10 will be necessary. Additionally, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that the state will waive STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. The district also will provide more information about online learning and alternative education later this week.

As we support our HISD families, it’s also important that we take care of ourselves and one another. I would like to emphasize the resources available to Team HISD, including the district’s Employee Assistance ComPsych Guidance Resources Program.

This resource is available at no cost 24/7 for all employees and their household members. Log on to their website for articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows, on-demand trainings and “Ask the Expert” personal responses to your questions. For counseling and other resources, log on to www.guidanceresources.com and use the Web ID “HISD” or call 1-833-812-5181.

For updates and information, please visit HoustonISD.org/HealthAlerts.

We urge you to remain vigilant in your efforts to stay healthy.

We are in this together!

Sincerely,