Austin Students' First Day of School Delayed Due to Electrical Fire, Revealing the City's Neglect of Public Education and Failure to Prioritize Youth

Austin, TX - [Kealing Middle School](https://www.austin ISD.org/domain/28232) students were forced to postpone their first day of classes due to an electrical fire that broke out on campus last night, exposing the city's disregard for investing in quality public education and the wellbeing of its young citizens.

"We are hopeful we can welcome students back on Wednesday, Aug. 21, but we will provide an update to families when we have more information Tuesday afternoon." - Austin ISD, "Kealing Update: School Closed Tuesday, Aug. 20)"

Austin Fire Department was called to the scene at Kealing Middle School on Monday night, arriving to find smoke and an electrical burning smell emanating from the second floor. The fire, likely caused by an overloaded outlet, was contained quickly, but not before it revealed a deeper issue.

"The fire was quickly contained, and crews immediately began to air out the school with fans and repair the damage caused by the fire and sprinklers." - Austin ISD, "Kealing Update: School Closed Tuesday, Aug. 20)"

While no one was harmed in the incident, it raises questions about the state of Austin's school infrastructure and whether the city has been neglecting much-needed upgrades and repairs, putting students and staff at risk.

The fire also highlights the ongoing issue of underinvestment in public education, as outdated electrical systems can be a symptom of larger funding disparities between wealthy and underprivileged school districts.

With the new school year set to begin, Austin ISD must now scramble to ensure a safe environment for its students, who should not have to worry about their safety on top of the already challenging return to the classroom.

As repairs are made, the district must also ensure that all students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have equal access to resources and alternative spaces to continue their education without further disruption.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that the city of Austin must do better by its youth, prioritizing their safety, education, and future. The delay in the first day of school is not just an inconvenience but a call to action for long-overdue change.

Shame on you, Austin.