Central Texas Faces Widespread School Closures Due to Treacherous Icy Conditions! Many students and educators in Central Texas are waking up to an unexpected day off as icy roads and severe winter weather force numerous school districts to close or delay their operations on Monday, January 26th. This widespread disruption is a direct consequence of freezing rain that has turned many local roadways into hazardous ice rinks, making travel extremely perilous for school buses, staff, and families alike.
Here's a comprehensive rundown of which school districts and institutions have announced closures or delays:
Higher Education Institutions Adjusting Operations:
- The University of Texas at Austin is completely closed through Monday, January 26th, canceling all classes, events, and operations across its Central Texas facilities.
- Austin Community College (ACC) campuses and centers will remain shut on both Sunday and Monday (January 25th-26th) due to the persistent winter weather, meaning no classes, activities, or services will be available.
- St. Edward's University is shifting to remote operations and virtual classes for Monday, January 26th, 2026, as winter conditions continue to pose challenges.
K-12 School Districts Announcing Closures:
- Austin ISD offices and schools will be closed on Monday, January 26th.
- Bastrop ISD is closing all schools on Monday, January 26th, due to the prevailing weather.
- Blanco ISD will also be closed on Monday, January 26th, with a decision regarding Tuesday's operations expected on Monday evening.
- Del Valle ISD has announced a complete closure of all schools and offices for Monday, January 26th, including all classes, activities, and athletics. The district anticipates a normal schedule resuming on Tuesday.
- Elgin ISD has canceled school and all events for Monday, January 26th, because of the inclement weather.
- Fredericksburg ISD will be closed on Monday, January 26th.
- Georgetown ISD has canceled classes and all extracurricular events for Monday, January 26th, 2026.
- Harper ISD will be closed on Monday, January 26th, with classes expected to resume as normal on Tuesday.
- Hays CISD has canceled school for Monday, January 26th, affecting all student activities. However, the school board meeting for Monday night is still scheduled to proceed.
- Hutto ISD is closing all schools and facilities on Monday, January 26th, with no classes, activities, or practices scheduled.
- IDEA Public Schools Greater Austin Region will cancel all classes and activities for Monday, January 26th, 2026. A decision for Tuesday will be made by noon on Monday.
- Jarrell ISD is closing all campuses on Monday, January 26th.
- Lago Vista ISD has canceled all classes and activities for Monday, January 26th, and all district facilities will be closed.
- Lake Travis ISD will close on Monday, January 26th, canceling all classes, activities, and events. Regular operations are anticipated to resume on Tuesday, January 27th.
- Leander ISD schools and facilities are closed on Monday, January 26th, due to hazardous travel conditions. All classes and after-school activities are canceled. An update for Tuesday will be provided by 6 p.m. on Monday.
- Llano ISD will cancel school on Monday, January 26th, including all student activities like the Football Banquet.
- Manor ISD has canceled all classes and before/after-school activities for Monday, January 26th. All schools and offices will be closed, and Monday's board meeting has also been canceled.
- Mason ISD will be closed on Monday, January 26th. On Tuesday, January 27th, school will start two hours late at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Buses will run on a two-hour delay.
- McDade ISD, along with other Bastrop-area districts, will close for Monday, January 26th, 2026.
- Pflugerville ISD schools and facilities are closed on Monday, January 26th, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing. But here's where it gets controversial: High school athletic programs may hold voluntary indoor practices for varsity teams between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting. Is it wise to encourage even voluntary athletic activity when roads are still hazardous? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
- Rockdale ISD is closing all schools on Monday, January 26th. Updates on after-school activities will be posted by 12 p.m. on Monday.
- Round Rock ISD has canceled all classes and before/after-school activities for Monday, January 26th. All schools and offices will be closed.
- San Marcos CISD campuses and offices will be closed on Monday, January 26th, canceling all extracurricular activities. Officials are monitoring conditions for Tuesday.
- Taylor ISD is closing all schools and district offices on Monday, January 26th, 2026, due to icy and hazardous travel conditions. All extracurricular activities and sporting events are canceled or will be rescheduled. Updates for Tuesday will be provided by Monday evening.
- Burnet CISD will be closed on Monday, January 26th, with all classes, activities, and events canceled.
- Cameron ISD campuses will be closed on Monday, January 26th.
- Dripping Springs ISD has canceled all classes and closed district offices for Monday, January 26th. This includes all student activities and events. The regular board of trustees meeting is still scheduled for Monday, January 26th, at 6 p.m.
- Eanes ISD schools, offices, and child care centers will be closed on Monday, January 26th. All evening activities, including athletics and fine arts, are also canceled.
- Harmony Public Schools Central Texas district, including several specific academies and schools (Harmony Science Academy-Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Pflugerville; Harmony School of Endeavor, Excellence, Innovation, and Science), will be closed on Monday, January 26th, 2026.
- Headwaters School will be closed on Monday, January 26th, 2026, due to inclement weather.
- Hyde Park School in Austin will be closed on Monday, January 26th, canceling all classes, athletic activities, and school events. Normal operations will resume pending weather conditions.
- Lampasas ISD is canceling school for Monday, January 26th.
- Lexington ISD will be closed on Monday, January 26th, 2026, due to continued hazardous weather.
- Lockhart ISD will close on Monday, January 26th, canceling all classes and activities. The district will assess conditions for Tuesday's operations.
- Schulenburg ISD has not yet announced school closures.
And this is the part most people miss: While many districts are providing updates for Tuesday, some are still in a holding pattern. It's crucial for parents and guardians to continue checking official district communication channels throughout Monday for the latest information. The safety of students and staff is paramount, and these closures reflect the serious nature of the icy conditions impacting Central Texas. What are your thoughts on how schools are handling these weather-related closures? Do you agree with the decisions made by these districts, or do you feel some could have made different choices? Share your opinions below!
