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Bastrop County school district officials said they were prepared to weather the storm after facing the cold snap that brough ice and sleet to the area last week.
Elgin, Bastrop, McDade and Smithville independent school districts all canceled classes for at least one day due to hazardous conditions brought on by Winter Storm Fern. Elgin remained closed Tuesday, while McDade and Smithville joined Bastrop in opening, though with a two-hour delay.
“Districtwide communication was sent out, walkways were treated and essential personnel monitored conditions,” said Al Rodriguez, Elgin ISD director of communication.
Smithville ISD followed similar procedures, remaining in contact with local and county officials and preparing facilities for freezing temperatures, according to district spokesperson Lindsey Saunders.
District officials said preparations were informed by lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, which caused widespread outages, prolonged school closures and 240 deaths across Texas. Fern caused far less disruption, and no storm-related deaths were reported in Bastrop County.
Smithville ISD reported no damage from the storm. Elgin ISD saw one busted pipe at its transportation center, which was repaired quickly with minimal impact, Rodriguez said. Bastrop ISD also reported no significant damage. Spokesperson Evan Molian said winter preparations began in October and continued through the storm.
“Normal operations resumed on Jan. 27, after a thorough inspection of all facilities and roads in our district and coordination with local partners and authorities,” Molian said. “At this time, no make-up days are required.”
Smithville ISD has scheduled a make-up day for May 4. Elgin ISD has not yet determined whether make-up days will be required.
“ Di st r ict administ ration will review calendar minute requirements and make a final determination in the coming weeks,” Rodriguez said.
McDade ISD officials could not be reached for comment.
