Leander Independent School District has announced the closure of all its schools and facilities for Monday, January 26, citing hazardous road conditions from a persistent winter weather system. The decision affects all classes and extracurricular activities as freezing temperatures are expected to continue throughout the day.
District officials confirmed the cancellation Sunday evening after consulting with local emergency management agencies. The primary concern is the safety of students and staff, with temperatures forecasted to remain below freezing, creating dangerous travel conditions across the geographically large district.
Key Takeaways
- All Leander ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 26.
- The closure includes all after-school activities, practices, and events.
- The decision was made due to ongoing freezing conditions and hazardous roads.
- A decision regarding Tuesday's classes will be announced by 6 p.m. Monday.
- The school day will not need to be made up due to extra time built into the academic calendar.
Safety Drives District's Decision to Close
Leander ISD has prioritized the safety of its community by canceling all school operations for Monday. In a statement, the district explained that the decision was not taken lightly and followed close monitoring of weather forecasts and direct consultation with local officials and emergency response teams.
While precipitation from the winter storm has stopped, the critical issue is the temperature. Forecasters predict that the thermometer will not rise above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) at any point on Monday. This sustained freeze means that any moisture remaining on roadways, bridges, and overpasses will likely remain as ice, posing a significant risk to buses, staff commuters, and student drivers.
A Proactive Approach to Weather Hazards
School districts in Central Texas often face difficult decisions regarding winter weather. Unlike regions with more frequent snow and ice, local infrastructure is not always equipped to handle prolonged freezing conditions. Closing schools proactively is a standard safety measure to prevent accidents and ensure students and staff are not put in harm's way during their commute.
The district's transportation and maintenance teams will use Monday to assess the conditions of roads and school properties. This evaluation will be crucial in determining the feasibility of reopening schools on Tuesday. The large size of Leander ISD, which covers a wide area with varying road conditions, adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Impact on Students and School Activities
The cancellation affects all aspects of the school day. There will be no in-person or remote classes, and all after-school activities are also canceled. This includes athletic practices, rehearsals for fine arts programs, club meetings, and any scheduled games or events.
The district also confirmed that LISD meal services will not be available on Monday. Families who rely on these services are encouraged to seek alternative arrangements. This disruption highlights the broader role schools play in the community beyond just education, providing essential services for many students.
Fortunately for families, the district has confirmed that students will not have to make up the missed day. The 2025-2026 academic calendar was designed with more than the state-required minimum number of instructional minutes, providing a buffer for unexpected closures like this one.
Block Schedule Unchanged
For high schools and middle schools operating on an A/B block schedule, the calendar will proceed as planned. The district clarified that Tuesday, January 27, will remain a scheduled 'B' day, assuming schools reopen. This ensures that the instructional sequence is not disrupted for the remainder of the week.
Looking Ahead to Tuesday
As of now, classes are expected to resume on Tuesday, but a final decision is pending. District officials have committed to providing families with an update by 6 p.m. on Monday evening. This timeline allows district teams to conduct thorough assessments of facility and road conditions throughout the day while monitoring the latest updates from the National Weather Service.
"The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority," the district emphasized in its communication to families. This guiding principle will inform the decision about whether it is safe to return to normal operations on Tuesday.
The district's communication plan involves multiple channels to ensure all families are reached. Information will be shared on the official Leander ISD website, through its social media accounts, and via direct communication systems to parents and staff. This multi-pronged approach is designed to keep the community informed in a timely and efficient manner.
Community Urged to Take Precautions
In addition to the school closure announcement, officials are reminding the community to take necessary safety precautions during the cold snap. Residents are advised to protect the "four Ps":
- People: Dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors.
- Pets: Bring all pets inside to protect them from the cold.
- Pipes: Cover outdoor faucets and allow indoor faucets to drip slowly to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to protect them from the frost.
Officials also stress the importance of ensuring that homes and vehicles are winter-ready. This includes checking heating systems, having emergency supplies on hand, and ensuring vehicle tires, batteries, and fluids are prepared for cold-weather operation. Anyone who must travel is urged to use extreme caution, check road conditions before leaving, and allow for extra travel time.