The Killeen Independent School District (KISD) has officially announced that February 17 will no longer be a student holiday, triggering significant backlash from parents and students on social media. This decision is attributed to a need to make up for an instructional day lost due to inclement weather in the previous months. The district emphasized that the decision was made to ensure that students receive the requisite instructional hours necessary for their academic growth and compliance with state educational regulations.
Local resident and parent, Maria Gonzalez, expressed her frustration on social media, stating, “This decision is incredibly disappointing. Our students deserve their holidays, especially after such a stressful academic year.” Meanwhile, KISD spokesperson Sarah Wilcox clarified, “Our priority is the educational welfare of all our students, which sometimes entails tough decisions, such as revising the school calendar due to lost instructional time. We appreciate the understanding of our community in this matter.”
In addition to the cancellation of the holiday, KISD is facing scrutiny surrounding other student-related incidents, such as an alarming report of a KISD student being accused of having marijuana on school premises. As details emerge, the community is left wondering how such incidents may affect the overall atmosphere in schools and if additional measures will be implemented.
KISD’s decision points to a broader concern over maintaining educational standards while meeting the needs of students and parents alike. As February 17 nears, students and their families continue to express their displeasure and confusion over the sudden change.