BELTON, Texas — Severe storms lashed through Central Texas on Wednesday, May 22, causing damage across the area in places like Temple, Belton, Killeen and more, and leaving many communities without power.
Several local school districts have announced closures and changes in the aftermath of the storms.
Belton ISD
Belton ISD announced the closure of schools on Thursday, May 23, in response to the storm's impact on staff and families. Only essential staff tasked with assessing and addressing storm damages are required to report to work.
Belton ISD also said the district will remain closed on Friday, May 24 to allow staff additional time to assess storm damage. The district will remain closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day and will reopen on Tuesday, May 28.
BISD has also rescheduled graduation ceremonies for May 29 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Rogers ISD
The superintendent of Rogers ISD shared the following message with students following the severe weather:
"I hope each of you are safe from the storm. Please keep those impacted in your thoughts. Out of an abundance of caution we are canceling school for tomorrow, Thursday, May 23rd. Although it is disappointing that we will not get a chance to say an official goodbye to our students, it is equally important that our community, families, and staff have the opportunity to care for their families as many are without power/or are taking care of damages caused by the storm."
"We will open buildings on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so students and parents can stop by and pick up items as needed. Graduation will go on as planned. Mr. Beard and his team will be taking care of things as needed in preparation for graduation."
Temple ISD
Update May 24: Temple ISD revealed that four campuses remain without power as evaluations continue. Key areas of focus during these assessments include electrical systems, HVAC functionality, and potential water and gas leaks.
In response to the ongoing situation, Temple ISD has announced adjustments to the academic calendar. Tuesday, May 28, has been designated as a student holiday and staff workday, while Monday will proceed as previously scheduled.
Killeen ISD
Killeen ISD said school operations will proceed as scheduled on Thursday, May 23, with the exception of Meadows Elementary School, Reeces Creek Elementary School and Union Grove Middle School, which started on a two-hour delay.
The district said leaders will continue to monitor the weather and communicate updates through regular communication channels.
Campuses will dismiss two hours early on May 23 as previously scheduled.
Waco ISD
Waco ISD said the University High School graduation ceremony has been rescheduled for Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m., with gates opening at 7:30 a.m.
The district said it will continue to keep students informed of any further weather impacts.
Salado ISD
Salado ISD said its graduation ceremony will also be rescheduled from May 23 due to severe storms, as the University of Mary Hardin Baylor is "not able to safely host" at this time.
The district said they are working hard to reschedule graduation and will announce new plans as soon as they are able to.
No new date has been announced at the time of writing.
Midway ISD
No changes have been officially announced at Midway ISD, but a plan is in place in case of bad weather for the Midway High School Graduation ceremony.
The ceremony is currently scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at Panther Stadium, but the district stated that alternate plans will be made in the event of bad weather.
Depending on the severity of the weather, the ceremony could either be delayed or rescheduled to the morning or evening of Saturday, May 25.
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