Galveston schools set to reopen after freeze

Galveston ISD and most upper Texas coast school districts will return Tuesday after a winter storm, but authorities warn that early-morning cold could still impair students, buses, and campus operations.

District authorities said campuses will resume normal schedules, but families should expect subfreezing morning commutes. As icy conditions may remain, administrators advised parents to layer youngsters and allow additional time for bus pickups and school entrance.

Most major districts that shuttered Monday, including Galveston, Clear Creek, Dickinson, Friendswood, and La Porte, indicated plans to reopen. Both Houston ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, two of the largest in the state, will resume classes.

Houston ISD began storm preparations days ago and will start districtwide heating checks early Tuesday. As part of its “taking proactive steps to brace for the storm,” the district winterized buses and remotely adjusted building heating systems.

Galveston County schools prioritized cold and transportation safety. Several districts will monitor bus routes in case mechanical faults or icy patches hinder service.

Spring ISD urged parents to “allow extra time as needed” because “some [bus] routes may experience delays,” serving sections of northern Harris County and transporting children from adjacent areas.

Tarkington ISD was the sole district closed Tuesday when a burst pipe caused a massive water leak that affected service to many sites, according to its website.

Regional universities aim to reopen. Tuesday marks the return of school at UH, Lone Star College, and Houston Community College. Rice University will reopen and resume all services after remotely holding courses Monday.

Galveston County charter networks KIPP and YES Prep said they will continue their usual schedules, including after-school programming.

Area superintendents met Monday midday to discuss forecasts and circumstances before deciding on reopening. Early Tuesday, officials will assess weather and facility conditions.

Galveston, Clear Creek, Dickinson, Friendswood, Hitchcock, and La Porte ISDs will reopen Tuesday.

Despite the cold, administrators expect most campuses to function as usual and will update if conditions change.