Dear Key Communicator:
I have an important issue I want to share with the community. On April 28, 2009, North Forest ISD had to cancel school because standing water caused by inclement weather conditions and drainage problems made some of the roadways along the bus routes unsafe. The North Forest High School campus encountered leaks that resulted in the high school’s closure. While the conditions for some campuses were not as critical, canceling classes across the District was the best option for safety and uniformity. I want to thank parents, the NFISD transportation department, administrators and staff at our campuses for making the dismissal process as efficient as possible.
While this incident was unfortunate, it has served to bring an important matter to the forefront. The rainstorms were heavy, but they were not catastrophic. Our schools could have remained open if drainage systems in our area worked better; and any avoidable event that interferes with the education of our students is unacceptable.
On behalf of the entire North Forest community, I have been and will continue to call on city, county and state officials to make them aware of the District’s pressing needs and the needs of the larger community.
I have requested that available resources be directed to address necessary repairs to drainage systems in the area.
I have also taken a similar course of action as it relates to the heating and cooling issues at some of our campuses.
NFISD administration and staff are working to prioritize District needs and address those that we can within our budget constraints. Still, this will not solve this problem entirely, and I need your help. I need every North Forest resident to take PRIDE-a Personal Responsibility in the District’s Environment.
Many of the drainage problems throughout the community could be lessened with the removal of debris and litter from storm drains and ditches. Both the City of Houston and Harris County have ordinances that make illegal dumping and littering crimes. If the only way to stop illegal dumping, which can and will eventually clog our drainage systems and cause blight in our community, is to crack down on offenders with criminal charges and fines, I will advocate for that approach for the benefit of our students. We will do all we can to ensure that our children learn m a safe environment. However, I believe that if everyone takes PRIDE in the District and the community, we will achieve our goals. For example, these simple steps can help alleviate some of the drainage issues:
• Do not block any part of the drainage system including ditches, culverts or the drains themselves.
• Do not dump any material into a drainage system.
• Report illegal dumping if you see it in your community.
• Do not litter. Remember this school district and community belongs to all of us. If we don’t take PRIDE in it, we can’t expect others to.
Dr. Adrain Johnson
North Forest ISD
Superintendent of Schools
