Central Texas Schools Closed Amid Winter Weather

**Bastrop Independent School District (Bastrop ISD)** is a public school system serving over 13,000 students across 433 square miles in Bastrop County, Texas, one of the state's largest geographically, encompassing communities like Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Paige, and Red Rock along the Colorado River, just 30 miles southeast of Austin.[1][2][5] Founded over a century ago, Bastrop ISD historically included segregated facilities like Emile High School (1893–1969) for African-American students until integration in 1969; today, it operates 15–16 schools, including four high schools (two comprehensive, a nationally ranked Early College High School at Colorado River Collegiate Academy, and an alternative), four middle schools, nine elementaries, plus specialized programs and child development centers for ages 6 weeks to 4 years.[2][3][6][7] With a diverse student body—80% minority enrollment, over 51% economically disadvantaged—it emphasizes inclusivity, maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios below 15:1 and above-average state performance, earning a "Met Standard" rating in 2017–18.[1][3][4] Key achievements include innovative **P-TECH Academies** in Advanced Manufacturing and Health Science Technology, Project Lead The Way engineering, culinary arts, and automotive pathways, fostering college/workforce readiness; its Early College High School garnered a 2025 AP Bronze Honor Roll from College Board.[2][6] The district prioritizes **early literacy** via Eureka Math and Amplify ELA from pre-K through first grade, character education (e.g., monthly traits like honesty), and community programs like STARS after-school care blending homework, tech labs, and recreation.[1][4] Teachers access cutting-edge training for uniform, forward-thinking curricula.[1] Currently thriving amid rapid growth (from ~8,500 students historically to 13,000+), Bas

**Blanco Independent School District (Blanco ISD)** is a public school district in Blanco, Texas, serving Pre-K through 12th grade students in the Texas Hill Country, primarily in Blanco County.[1][4][5] It operates three schools—Blanco Elementary (PK-5), Blanco Middle (6-8), and Blanco High (9-12)—with a total enrollment of 1,102 students as of the 2023-2024 school year and a student-teacher ratio around 12-13:1.[4][5][7] Founded with a focus on community-rooted education, Blanco ISD emphasizes a mission to empower students intellectually, physically, and socially for lifelong success as responsible citizens.[1][2][3] Core values of **empowerment**, **engagement**, and **inspiration** drive its efforts to provide safe, innovative learning environments, recruit dedicated educators, support emotional well-being, and foster family-community partnerships.[1][3] The district promotes individualized growth, critical thinking, creativity, and leadership amid strong Texas Hill Country values.[1][3] Key achievements include a district-wide **B accountability rating** from the Texas Education Agency for 2024-2025, surpassing state averages in graduation (98.9% four-year rate vs. 90.3% statewide) and low dropout rates (0.8%).[4][5] Blanco High earned a **B** with distinctions in English/Reading, Math, Science, and Postsecondary Readiness; Blanco Middle also a **B** with Top 25% Academic Growth recognition and past National Blue Ribbon status (2001-2002); Elementary received a **C**.[4][5] Average teacher experience (14.1 years) exceeds the state (11.1), and 2022-2023 SAT scores averaged 994.[5] Currently led by Superintendent Clay Rosenbaum, Blanco ISD maintains above-average status per

**Burnet Consolidated Independent School District (Burnet CISD)** is a public K-12 school district headquartered in Burnet, Texas, serving students across Burnet County with extensions into Llano and Williamson Counties.[5][7][8] Governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees elected for three-year terms, it sets policies, approves budgets, hires the superintendent, and oversees taxes and bonds to prioritize student education and well-being.[1] Established as a cornerstone of local education, Burnet CISD operates six schools: Burnet High (9-12), Burnet Middle (6-8), R.J. Richey Elementary (4-5), Shady Grove Elementary (2-3), Burnet Elementary (preK-1), Bertram Elementary (preK-5), and Quest High (alternative 9-12).[5] A standout achievement is Bertram Elementary's 2007 National Blue Ribbon School designation, recognizing excellence.[5] In 2009, the district earned an "academically acceptable" rating from the Texas Education Agency.[5] Its 2022 Strategic Plan, developed with input from over 70 stakeholders including students, staff, parents, and business leaders, charts a path to 2028 with ambitious goals: 100% of students meeting high academic standards through data-driven instruction and engaged learning, plus a safe, supportive environment fostering well-being for all.[3] The mission emphasizes partnership with the community for academic rigor, character development, and extracurriculars in a welcoming setting.[3] Currently led by Superintendent Dr. Aaron Peña and a cabinet including HR Director Michele Gilmore and CFO Clay Goehring, the district maintains a clear chain of command for efficient issue resolution, directing concerns from teachers upward to administration rather than the Board.[2][6] The Technology Department, under Director Matthew Busceme, manages networks, systems, hardware, and instructional tools with a lean team, ensuring modern classroom

**San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (CISD)** is a public school system serving over 8,000 students across a 210-square-mile region spanning San Marcos, Texas, and portions of Hays, Caldwell, and Guadalupe counties.[1][3] The district operates **11 campuses**, including six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools (San Marcos High School and Phoenix Academy).[3] San Marcos High School, the flagship institution, serves approximately 2,500 students in grades 9-12 and offers advanced placement courses, career technology programs, and dual enrollment opportunities through Texas State University and Austin Community College.[2][6] ## Historical Development San Marcos CISD's modern infrastructure emerged from significant community investment. In 2004, voters approved $123 million in bonds that funded a new San Marcos High School and multiple elementary and middle schools, completed by 2009.[3] A second $77 million bond measure passed in 2013, demonstrating continued commitment to facility improvements.[3] ## Current Performance As of the 2023-2024 school year, the district serves 8,297 students with an average teacher experience of 8.3 years.[1] The four-year graduation rate stands at **86.3%**, slightly below the state average of 90.3%, while the dropout rate for grades 9-12 was 3% during 2022-2023.[1] The average SAT score of 938 falls below the statewide average of 978, though the average ACT composite score of 19.8 exceeds the state average of 19.2.[1] The district received a **C accountability rating** for 2024-2025, based on student achievement, school progress, and closing

**Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD)** is a top-rated public school district in Southeast Texas, serving approximately 40,000 students across 45 campuses from Pre-K through 12th grade, spanning areas between Houston and Galveston including League City, Seabrook, and Friendswood.[1][3][5][7] Founded with a spirit of exploration, CCISD emphasizes blending tradition and **innovation** to deliver world-class education, focusing on academic excellence, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), fine arts, and career preparation.[1][2] Its history reflects strong community roots in Galveston and Harris counties, evolving into a leader in modern learning with personalized instruction, advanced classroom technology, and support for gifted students, those needing extra help, and mental health initiatives.[2][4] Key achievements include stellar ratings: an overall **A grade** from Niche, with A+ in college prep, academics, diversity, teachers, and food; many schools exceed state averages in quality and student progress per GreatSchools.[3][6] Intermediate schools specialize in STREAM branches (Space, Technology, Engineering, Robotics, Art, Medicine), while high schools offer robust **Career and Technical Education (CTE)** programs rivaling top districts. Parent reviews praise programs like robotics, coding, Leader in Me leadership training, and superintendent Dr. Karen Engle's personal engagement.[3] Currently, CCISD thrives under a dedicated Board of Trustees and leadership team, partnering with families and local organizations for holistic student growth.[1][4] Notable aspects include dual-language options, arts flourishing alongside STEM, accessible counselors promoting resilience, and expansions in CTE pathways and teacher training for emotional well-being—preparing students for future job markets in a tech-driven world.[2][3] With 5,000+ staff, it stands out for community engagement and real-world electives, making it a prime choice for families eyeing **busines

**Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (Goose Creek CISD)** is a major public school district in Baytown and Highlands, Texas, serving nearly 24,000 students across 134 square miles, just 30 miles east of Houston.[1][2][4] With a mission of **"Developing the Whole Child"**, it fosters intellectual, social, and emotional growth through values like Growth, Community, Collaboration, Innovation, Success, and Determination, empowering students for global success.[1][2][5] Founded in 1919 as Goose Creek Independent School District for the tri-cities of Pelly, Goose Creek, and Baytown—which unified as Baytown in 1948 amid oil industry prosperity—the district expanded in 1954 by merging with Cedar Bayou ISD.[1] Its first major initiative came in 1921 with a $200,000 bond for land and five schools, laying foundations for steady growth tied to local energy economics.[1] Today, Goose Creek CISD operates **32 schools**: 16 elementary, six junior schools (grades 6-8), six high schools (three traditional, two specialty, one alternative), and a virtual school for grades 4-12.[1][8] Employing over 3,400 staff as the region's largest employer, it generates $313.8 million in revenue and features robust leadership under Superintendent Dr. Randal O’Brien, including a Chief Technology Officer and directors for innovation, curriculum, and bilingual/ESL programs.[2][3][4] Strategic goals emphasize academic performance, community engagement, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and organizational development.[1] Key achievements include its scale and holistic approach, with initiatives like pre-K programs, online registration, and a District of Innovation plan.[1][5] A supporting 501(c)(3) Education Foundation aids educational efforts.[6] While not a business-technology entity, its tech integration—via a dedicated

**Harlandale Independent School District (Harlandale ISD)** is a public school district in San Antonio, Texas, serving over 11,000 students across 16 campuses, including four high schools, four middle schools, and nine elementary schools, with approximately 913 teachers and a total staff of 1,690.[1][5][6][7] Founded to educate a predominantly Hispanic community (97% of students), the district emphasizes bilingual programs like dual language instruction, starting at 90% Spanish/10% English in kindergarten and balancing to 50/50 by fourth grade to foster biliteracy and cross-cultural attitudes.[1] It offers robust extracurriculars, including athletics (cross country, football, soccer, etc.), fine arts (band, mariachi, theater), Pre-K with free meals and outdoor classrooms, and free services like WiFi, breakfast/lunch, and family support.[1] Historically, Harlandale ISD earned a "Recognized" rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2010, with 18 of 19 schools rated "Recognized" or "Exemplary," and won the 2011 HEB Excellence in Education Award.[2] Key achievements include multiple National Blue Ribbon Schools: Harlandale High School (1999-2000), Kingsborough Middle School (2001-02), and Collier Elementary (2000-01).[2] The Harlandale Education Foundation (HEF), established in 1999, has raised over $1.6 million, supporting 2,000+ students and providing scholarships to every graduate.[1] Notable alumni include actor Jesse Borrego (class of 1980), boxer Jesse James Leija (1984), Medal of Honor recipient Milton A. Lee (1967), and baseball figure Wilbur Huckle (1960).[2] Today, the district innovates with a STEM Early College High School and universal post-secondary scholarships, though recent review

**UT San Antonio (UTSA)** is a premier public research university in San Antonio, Texas, now the state's third-largest by research expenditures following its transformative 2025 merger with UT Health San Antonio, forming a unified powerhouse advancing teaching, research, innovation, patient care, and community impact.[1][3][6] Established in 1969, UTSA rapidly expanded under leaders like President Ricardo Romo (1999–2024), who drove a 68% enrollment surge to about 38,200 students across six campuses spanning 1,200 acres, while launching initiatives like the 2018 Human Health Initiative and establishing the College for Health, Community and Policy.[3] The 2024-announced merger, approved in June 2025 and effective September 1, 2025, under President Taylor Eighmy, integrated UT Health's expertise, boosting its R1 research status—one of 21 Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide—and elevating it to Tier One prominence with signature strengths in **health, cybersecurity, AI, data sciences, energy, security, and sustainability**.[1][3][5] Key achievements include a top 3% global ranking (Center for World University Rankings, 2025), #56 Most Innovative School (U.S. News & World Report, 2026), and Innovation and Economic Prosperity University designation by APLU.[3][7] Its six-year graduation rate hit 50.8% by 2019, with 215,000 alumni fueling Texas's workforce.[3][4] The merger amplifies innovation, addressing workforce gaps and revitalizing downtown San Antonio's high-tech corridor.[4] Currently, UTSA thrives with 2026 projects like the $130 million **San Pedro II** building for business, AI, and cybersecurity training; renovations at Blanco Hall, Institute of Texan Cultures, One Riverwalk Place, and a state-of-the-art athletic training center, enhancing recruitment an

**Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA)** is a dynamic public university dedicated to expanding higher education access on San Antonio's historically underserved South Side, offering innovative bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields like business, technology, education, and nursing to empower diverse students and drive regional economic growth.[1][2] Born in the late 1990s from Senator Frank Madla's advocacy, A&M-SA launched as a Texas A&M System Center at Palo Alto Community College in 2000 with 126 students and seven programs. A pivotal 694-acre land donation in 2007 fueled expansion, and Senate Bill 629 in 2009 established it as a standalone institution under inaugural President Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier. The Main Campus opened in 2011, welcoming over 3,500 students amid surging enrollment (up 62% from 2008-2009). By 2014, it secured SACSCOC accreditation as an independent university, with Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson as interim president.[1][2][3] Key achievements include national recognition for military-friendly initiatives, international ties like its partnership with Universidad Loyola Andalucía, and the 2016 debut of first-year students following "downward expansion" approval. That year marked the inaugural class, followed by Esperanza Hall residence in 2017 and NAIA/Red River Athletic Conference entry in 2020. The campus architecture echoes San Antonio's Spanish missions, fostering cultural belonging.[2][3][6] Today, A&M-SA thrives as a forward-thinking hub within the Texas A&M System, emphasizing tech-savvy programs like e-books and "Ready From Day One" for K-12 pipelines. With robust student organizations (from 2 to 25 early on) and community impact, it shapes San Antonio's business-tech landscape through resilience and innovation—evolving from a small center to a vibrant engine of opportunity.[