Public schools in southeast Texas suffered heavy damage in the onslaught of Hurricane Harvey. The Houston Independent School District, Texas’ largest district, with 218,000 students, was forced to push its first day of school to Sept. 11.
Some districts will begin classes even later than that. Some public school districts have not even determined yet when they can open schools.
In New Jersey, where many school districts suffered heavy damage during Hurricane Sandy, there are ways to help schools that suffered catastrophic damage in Hurricane Harvey. Although school districts cannot make contributions using public funds, individual board members, administrators and school staff may contribute as private citizens. In addition, organizations such as parents’ groups and student clubs may participate in fundraising.
As NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod wrote in his most recent “Reflections” column, NJSBA has reached out to the School Boards Association of Texas for information on ways that New Jerseyans may extend help, and will keep its members updated on any information we receive.
The following information, published in the Houston Chronicle, includes some ways the Garden State can help the Lone Star State’s schools.
HISD (Houston Independent School District) Foundation: Help HISD students and families in need of storm relief with monetary donations. Click here.
Fort Bend ISD has teamed up with businesses and organizations to set up several donation collection and distribution sites. They are accepting bedding, toiletries, school uniforms and non-perishable food items, among other things. For a list of where to donate, click here.
Fort Bend ISD Foundation is also accepting monetary donations to aid teachers and students impacted by the storm, click here.
For other ways to help Hurricane Harvey victims, by supporting aid efforts ranging from food banks, to animal shelters, to the United Way and American Red Cross, please visit the following Houston Chronicle listing.