https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtM9kKSq9NQ

September 1, 2017—Austin Independent School District is making room for new students.

The district is encouraging Harvey evacuees to enroll their children in Austin schools.

AISD has already enrolled nearly 100 students who are staying in area shelters, some that don’t have a school to go back to.

“If you find yourself at a shelter in our community or you’re in town at a hotel or with friends you’re welcome in this community and you’re welcome in our schools,” says Mayor Steve Adler.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz says overcrowding won’t be an issue and schools will be assigned based on where students’ shelters are located.

The district will also offer counseling to students and invite them to Friday nightfootball.

“It’s another activity that they can do,” says Dr. Cruz.

The number of students the district expects changes daily. Those who have already enrolled could start school as soon as Friday.

According to AISD, these students will need supplies, but most of all, clothes.

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August 28, 2017—The number of people heading to Austin impacted by Hurricane Harvey could rise drastically. State officials asked the city if it can house 7,000 evacuees from the Gulf Coast.Mayor Steve Adler says officials are trying to figure out capacity and logistics and are planning to turn the Austin Convention Center into a mega shelter. After Hurricane Katrina, the city hosted 4,000 evacuees at the convention center. The city plans to move people out of existing shelters to the mega shelter within the next two days.

In an emergency city council meeting on Tuesday morning, Adler said, “We pretty much dodged the bullet here in Austin, but we will do everything we can to help others.” Continue reading →