Austin News

School districts across the state gained experience in going beyond the call of normal duties with efforts to feed school children during the pandemic, so a concentrated response to the winter storm was not surprising.

Austin ISD did its part to help the community during the devastation of a recent winter storm that knocked out electricity and shut down water across the state. Staff members from the district worked tirelessly to provide supplies along with shelter and support during a tough time.

The school district reported in a press release that staff with district warehouse, construction management, grounds and custodial staff, food service, central office and Austin ISD Police showed up where needed to help families. Warming centers were opened and district staff assisted at shelters, made facility repairs and delivered supplies. These deeds were often accomplished by district employees who had issues of their own, putting the needs of others before their own.

The Austin ISD warehouse team also provided assistance to the City of Austin and Central Texas Foodbank. Deliveries were made to the Palmer Event Center, Barrington Elementary and Mendez Middle School. In total, the team moved 4,452 cases of water, 800 boxes of emergency food boxes for families and 21 pallets of food for the district kitchens.

Other staff members walked the grounds of the school campuses, looking for damage and contractors to fix busted pipes and return power to facility grounds. The district offered its grateful thanks for staff members who showed up and put the community first.

“I think I can speak for the team when I say we are incredibly proud that we can be relied on to serve our district and community during this historic winter storm,” Mark Curtis, district distribution and logistics supervisor, said. “Our team is amazing and is here to serve no matter what.”