San Antonio Faces Unpredictable Weather and School Closures Amid Budget Crunch

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Residents of San Antonio can expect unpredictable weather this week, with forecasts of rain, fog, and wide temperature swings. The National Weather Service predicts that rain will be most likely on Tuesday, with the city potentially receiving up to a quarter-inch of rainfall during thunderstorms.

Temperatures will fluctuate significantly, ranging from highs near 70 degrees on Tuesday to a peak of 84 on Wednesday, before dropping to 53 on Thursday. Early morning lows will also vary, with a forecasted 59 degrees on Wednesday and 39 degrees on Thursday morning.

Despite these rain chances, San Antonio has not experienced substantial relief from its ongoing drought. Since January 1, only 1.14 inches of rain has fallen at San Antonio International Airport, which is 1.44 inches below average for the year.

In addition to the weather concerns, the North East Independent School District (NEISD) has made a significant decision regarding school closures. During a Monday night meeting, the board unanimously voted to close Driscoll Middle School, Clear Spring Elementary, and Wilshire Elementary by the end of the current school year. This decision comes in response to a budget deficit and a decline of nearly 12,000 students in the district.

NEISD Superintendent Sean Maika emphasized the urgency of the decision. “Delaying the vote would have resulted in the district missing out on an estimated $5 million in savings necessary to address our budget deficit,” he said.

Meanwhile, a task force in San Antonio focusing on metal recycling regulations has delayed presenting its recommendations to the city council. Comprised of industry owners and community stakeholders, the group seeks to suggest changes to the 2012 city code regulating metal recycling operations. A statement from Development Services Department Director Michael Shannon indicated that the extension aims to ensure all voices are heard in the discussions.

Amid these challenges, there is a glimmer of positive news in Texas education. Recent research indicates that several school districts in the state, including Somerset ISD and Southside ISD, have made progress in recovering from pandemic-related setbacks. Sean Reardon, a Stanford University professor involved in the research, noted, “Texas is ranked eighth in reading recovery, but we still see a gap compared to pre-pandemic levels.”

Community organizations are also responding to concerns surrounding crime and safety. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is actively involved in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Private First-Class Katia Dueñas Aguilar, who was killed near Fort Campbell, Kentucky. David Cruz of LULAC expressed hope for justice in the case, highlighting a troubling trend of violence toward service members.

In an effort to bolster local education, the Toyota USA Foundation has announced a $6.5 million investment in STEM education for East Central ISD. The grant will be allocated over five years for teacher training and to support resources aimed at keeping students engaged in STEM careers, which are vital for the upcoming workforce.

Lastly, in health news, flu cases in Texas are on the rise, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The agency reported 64 flu-associated outbreaks for the week ending February 1, contributing to a total of 3,262 flu-related deaths since the season began. DSHS also noted an increase in COVID-19 cases, emphasizing the ongoing public health challenges.