Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians and Staff,
The 2022 Spring Semester is underway and we are excited to welcome back over 89,000 Katy ISD students.
Our first week back from the holiday break has presented certain challenges that include staffing shortages, and an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Katy ISD’s Operations Division, which consists of bus drivers, food service employees, custodians, skilled trades, and other essential staff, has been particularly hard hit by staffing shortages, with over 200 absences due to illness and another 250 vacancies. In result, our teams have made minor adjustments to bus service, menu options, and campus maintenance schedules when needed. And, yes we are experiencing shortages among our teaching personnel, though, we continue to mitigate this matter to ensure the quality of instruction for our students remains uncompromised. Please know that our dedicated operations and instructional teams are making every effort to minimize the impact of the challenges we face today.
As I referenced in my communication earlier this week, despite the challenges, making certain our schools remain open through the pandemic continues to be my number one priority. To ensure this can happen safely, over the past few weeks we have expanded COVID-19 testing services, transitioned to Stage 3 Modified Operations (SRTS Plan p. 10) and are meeting with campus and departmental leadership on a daily basis to identify immediate needs and make adjustments where needed.
I understand this is a difficult time, though I truly believe that the way we get through these challenges is by working together, and demonstrating patience, grace and understanding. I appreciate the work and collaboration of our Katy ISD teams and families, and look forward to a successful spring semester together.
Again, should you have any questions concerning Katy ISD’s safety procedures, please do not hesitate to contact (281) 396-7499 or covid19responses@katyisd.org.
Sincerely,
Ken Gregorski, Ed.D.
Superintendent
