Laneville, Texas – Superintendent Rebecca Lanham announced that Laneville Independent School District will be closed Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, after a surge of flu cases among students and staff. The short‑term shutdown is intended to slow transmission of the illness and provide sick community members time to recuperate.
Deep cleaning and sanitation
During the closure, custodial crews will conduct a thorough deep‑clean of classrooms, hallways, cafeterias and other common areas. The district’s Safety and Security Team will also meet with Rusk County emergency partners on Monday afternoon in the board room to coordinate response efforts and ensure a safe return to campus.
Impact on academics and activities
All instructional time lost during the two‑day closure will be made up when classes resume on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The district has already been closed on the preceding Friday, giving the school community five consecutive days away from campus. Extracurricular events, including sports practices and club meetings, are canceled until the district reopens on Wednesday.
Guidance for families
Lanham urged parents and guardians to keep children at home if they exhibit flu symptoms, to practice good hand hygiene, and to follow any additional health precautions recommended by local health officials. The district will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate any further changes promptly.
Community response
Local parents expressed appreciation for the proactive steps, noting that the extra time for cleaning and recovery helps protect vulnerable students and staff. “We’re grateful the district is taking the health of our children seriously,” said one parent, who asked to remain unnamed.
The Laneville ISD closure reflects a broader emphasis on public‑health safety in East Texas schools, aligning with guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials stress that timely action can reduce the severity of flu outbreaks and keep classrooms open for longer periods throughout the season.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
