BISD Approves Resolution and Amended Calendar for 2020-2021 School Year

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that the Board of Trustees unanimously approved during an Emergency Called Board Meeting Resolution #017/2020-2021 requesting an order from the Cameron County Judge and the Mayor of Brownsville and their Commissioners Court that all BISD schools remain closed for on-campus, face-to-face instruction for all school age students until further notice and that it is safe for students, faculty, and staff to return.

“Due to the increased community spread, we feel that there will be a greatly enhanced risk of parent, student, and employee illness during the COVID-19 pandemic, arising from the current levels of contagion within Cameron County and the City of Brownsville,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, superintendent of schools for Brownsville Independent School District.

The Resolution also requests that internet access be provided to students who do not have access to devices or internet that allow for them to meaningful participate in the district’s remote instruction program.

The Board of Trustees also approved an amended Instructional Calendar for the 2020-2021 school year delaying the start of school to August 25 with the last day of school on June 10, 2021. The calendar includes intersession days, which would be days considered for summer school. In addition, all holidays will remain the same.

“Our desire is to provide all students with the best instruction possible while ensuring the safety and well-being of our students,” added Gutiérrez. “By extending the start of our school year, we are ensuring the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. On-campus, in-person instruction will be available when it is advised from our local governments and public health departments for when it is safe to return.”

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.