Katy Independent School District Catastrophe Notice

Governmental Body
Katy Independent School District

Start Date for Suspension
Jul 8, 2024

End Date for Suspension
Jul 10, 2024

Contact Name
Gretchen McCord

Contact Title
Staff Attorney, Public Information Officer

City
Katy

County
Harris

Governmental Body Type
Independent school district

Reason for Suspension
Natural Disaster

Description
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Texas impacting a large portion of southeast Texas, including Katy Independent School District ("Katy ISD" or "District") which is located in Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties. Due to dangerous storm conditions and ultimately the loss of power and internet service, the District was forced to close its administrative offices on Monday, July 8, 2024, and operate remotely. The loss and/or intermittent availability of these resources and the inability of employees, including the undersigned Public Information Officer, to access all necessary systems, information, and records made it impossible to effectively and appropriately respond to public information requests during the temporary remote operations. After restoration of power and additional assessment the District determined it could reopen its administrative offices on Thursday, July 11, 2024. For these reasons, Katy Independent School District respectfully submits this Catastrophe Notice in accordance with the Texas Government Code for the calendar days of Monday, July 8, 2024, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, and Wednesday, July 10, 2024. This notice amends and supersedes any previous catastrophe notice filed by the District related to Hurricane Beryl.