Canadian ISD Superintendent Julia McMains sent the following letter last week to allay parental concerns about a variety of health and safety issues, and submitted it to The Record yesterday for publication:

This has been a busy couple weeks here in CISD and I just wanted to touch base.  Last Monday we did release school early due to weather that came in more heavily than anticipated.  Mr. Brewster started checking the roads and as conditions worsened, realized that the weather was going to be most treacherous during the afternoon bus routes.  This combined with road conditions in town starting to deteriorate was the reason we dismissed school early.  That evening, Mr. Brewster and I drove the "Y" route and the Higgins Route and determined that with the work TxDOT was doing to maintain the roads, it would be safe to have school the next morning, but that waiting until the sun came up would be the smartest decision.  For that reason, along with bone-chilling -11 degrees, we had the 10:00 am start time.  I was so impressed with smoothly everything went and I appreciate all of the staff's hard work.
 
The last few days have been challenging with all of the illnesses going around.  Nurse Molly was amazing and started sending out information right away to help slow the spread.  I am very proud of our custodial team and for all of our staff's efforts to wipe down surfaces, cover classes and keep things moving!  Each day the principals and I monitored student and staff attendance.  This weekend we will have a crew come out to deep clean the campuses to help us start off next week with thoroughly sanitized clean surfaces.  
 
We understand that there have been many developments at the federal level recently, and changes that may impact public education seem to be happening daily. During this time, we want to reassure you that our focus remains on what matters most: maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all our students and their families.  Our commitment to serving every student who walks through our doors has not wavered. Regardless of external circumstances, we are here to support you and provide a stable, nurturing place where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
 
Our students and staff health and safety are our top priority, and we appreciate all of your support.  
  
With care and respect,
Julia McMains
Superintendent 
Canadian ISD