Katy ISD Launches Initiative To Help Families In Post-Harvey Recovery

KATY, TX — As with nearly every school district in the Greater Houston area, Katy ISD took a beating from Hurricane Harvey, requiring a lot of adjustments from staff and students.

Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt shared an update recently on the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the impact it had on students and staff.

“Even with the emotional toll that has been brought about by this crisis, we’ve all witnessed tremendous acts of compassion and demonstrations of will and strength regardless of the circumstances,” Hindt said.

It’s estimated at about 75 percent of the city of Katy was flooded, and included 16 school campuses and the district administrative offices, and area neighborhoods and businesses.

Creech Elementary was flooded and will been attending classes at the the University of Houston-Katy campus for the 2017-2018 school year, while Bear Creek Elementary has been having classes at Paetow High School and hopes to be back at their campus before th end of September.

Hindt said that 15,007 students and 2,600 employees of Katy ISD are still recovering from direct impact of the storm, and that in some cases, lost everything they had.

On Sept. 11, the district announced the Katy ISD Education Foundation was launching an initiative to collect donations from the community, while Katy ISD campuses will identify students and staff in need of support.

"The Katy ISD Education Foundation has an unprecedented opportunity to bolster our community during this devastating time," says Tara Wilson, Katy ISD Education Foundation Board President. "With a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, this small but mighty initiative will provide the necessary support to Katy ISD staff and families that need to not only rebuild homes, but rebuild lives."

With 16 campuses affected by floodwaters, including Creech Elementary re-locating students for the remainder of the year, Katy ISD faces a significant road to recovery.

"While the district is in a strong position to support facility recovery, and will do so, we are grateful for our community's support for the thousands of Katy ISD staff members and their families whose lives have been profoundly impacted by Hurricane Harvey," Hindt said.

Image: Associated Press

Send your new tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com