Carroll Suspends Out-of-District Activities, Monitors North American Influenza Situation

Carroll ISD suspended out-of-district travel and out-of-district activities this week in an effort to minimize student and staff risks of exposure to the North American Influenza (H1N1), formerly known as swine flu. Although no cases have been confirmed in Carroll ISD, Superintendent David Faltys said district officials are following the lead of federal and state health officials, area school districts and the University Interscholastic League. In an unprecedented move, the UIL suspended all interscholastic activities for public schools in the state of Texas until May 11. The decision was made in an effort to prevent students from intermingling with other students in various parts of the state. Later that evening Fort Worth ISD closed all 140 of its campuses at the direction of health officials. In addition Cleburne ISD has closed and several other North Texas districts are awaiting tests results. Mayfest and other outside group activities in Fort Worth have also been canceled.

Carroll officials suspended field trips and out-of-district travel. The aquatics center was closed to the public, but will remain available for Carroll ISD classes and practices. The district initially limited in-district activities, as well, but after further assessing the situation, Dr. Faltys announced this afternoon that local, in-district activities will be allowed for now. Information can change at any time and CISD will continue its commitment to provide open and honest communication to the families of our district. We still have no confirmed cases of this flu strain in Carroll ISD, but we are working to educate and minimize risk. Please know that the safety of our students is our top priority as we monitor this ongoing situation.

CISD's goal in announcing the suspension of out-of-district travel and activities yesterday was, and remains today, to minimize the risks to our students and staff. Since that announcement, a number of related questions surfaced, and school administrators met today to consider those questions. The state and county health departments have recommended what they call "community-level social distancing" to help prevent the spread of this strain of influenza.

After reviewing the additional school closures, information from the Texas Education Agency and input by our local staff, Superintendent Faltys provided the following clarifications:

- The suspension of all out-of-district field trips and travel remains in effect until further notice. The state's recommendation to use May 8 as a guide will be our guide as well. The district does not recommend the canceling of trips or activities beyond that date at this point. We will meet as early as Monday, May 4 to assess the situation again.

- All in-district activities involving CISD students, staff and parents may continue. This includes concerts, local banquets and evening presentations involving families within our community. Certainly parents may always exercise their right to restrict participation if they do not want to attend or wish to limit their child's participation.

- The SAT test being administered by the College Board at Carroll Senior High School on Saturday will be held as planned.

- Community activities involving the rental of CISD facilities are permitted as well. This includes local church services, Boy Scout meetings, etc.

- Check the City of Southlake website for details on city-sponsored, joint-use activities as well as Parks and Recreation activities.

- Election day voting at Carroll High School will continue as planned.

It's our hope that these clarifications provide the public and our staff with the details necessary to plan and prepare for the next few days. The situation will involve ongoing review and further announcements as information becomes available. Carroll ISD will continue to utilize its website, parent calling system and emails to notify the public of changes.