Press Release Regarding Information About Dickinson ISD During Hurricane Harvey
Dickinson ISD students will return to school on Monday, September 11, following the cancellation of school for two weeks due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. The Board of Trustees approved the return date at an emergency school board meeting held Thursday evening, August 31.
Dickinson ISD employees will report back to work for campus meetings from 10 a.m.-12 noon Wednesday, September 6, If an employee is unable to report at that time, they should contact their supervisor.
"Dickinson ISD came out much better than expected at all of our campus with only two facilities sustaining damage from rising water; however, we know that many of our employees, students and their families were not as lucky with substantial damage to homes and vehicles from this catastrophic weather event," said Superintendent Vicki Mims at an emergency meeting held August 31 by the Dickinson ISD Board of Trustees. "Our thoughts go out to each of them as they begin this long and difficult recovery process."
Bay Colony Elementary received about two inches of water damage in the front office area and several classrooms. At Gator Academy, the employee daycare center, there was approximately two feet of water. These two facilities also had damage to some furniture and computers. The field turf at Sam Vitanza Stadium was flooded causing some damage. In addition, all campuses in Dickinson ISD sustained damages with roof issues and leaks from the large amount of rainfall.
Before students return on September 11, the water damaged carpet and sheet rock at Bay Colony Elementary will be removed. Students and teachers in those areas will return to school with concrete floors until carpet can arrive in October. The district is planning to temporarily house the Gator Academy at Calder Road Elementary until renovations are complete at the Gator Academy facility. Administration is working with a stadium turf company to assess damage and offer solutions to the damaged turf. Power has been restored to all district facilities and there are no issues with water, gas or sewer.
Teachers and support staff, parents and students, many of whom sustained damage to their own homes, have stepped up to bring in donations and volunteer at donation sites. Hundreds are out in the community lending a helping hand to assist others with demolition in homes. The district has received dozens of calls from school districts and school groups from across the nation offering their support.
"Dickinson ISD is blessed with the outpouring of support received locally as well as from across Texas and the nation. It is an incredible sight to see everyone helping each other. But that is the true spirit of Gator Nation," said Mims.