😱 Fire? More Like Dumpster Fire of Texas Education!

Well, well, well, look who's back in the news. Kealing Middle School, the phoenix of East Austin, is rising from the ashes (literally!) and will reopen to students on Monday. Because, you know, starting the school year with a BANG isn't just an expression anymore.

So, buckle up, kiddos! On Aug. 19, a fire broke out overnight, forcing Austin school administrators to shut down the campus on the very first day of school. Way to kick off the year, right? 👏

The fire, in all its glory, mauled the heating and air conditioning ductwork, making the school inhabitable for the campus' 1,300 students. Can you say "Hot Mess"? District officials, in their infinite wisdom, canceled classes for the rest of the week.

But fear not, repairs are underway! District officials expect staff to finish repairs by Saturday, just in time for a "normal" Monday. And by normal, they mean some classes might still be relocated because, who needs a permanent classroom anyway?

And the cherry on top? The fire was apparently caused by an overloaded outlet in a classroom. Shocker! Who would've thought our underfunded schools might have electrical issues? But don't worry, the Austin Fire Department doesn't suspect arson. Just your run-of-the-mill electrical disaster.

Now, you might be wondering, "Will the kids have to make up for lost time?" Pfft, please. Austin administrators are on it! They plan to apply for a waiver from the state. And if that doesn't work out, they might extend Kealing’s school day by a few minutes. Because squeezing more time out of an already packed day is totally the solution.

For those who can't stay away, the gym and cafeteria are open. Buses will run normal routes, and students can grab a bagged lunch between 11 a.m. and noon at the back of the school near the gym off Salina Street. Yum?

So there you have it, folks. The Texas education system in all its fiery, dysfunctional glory. But hey, at least they're trying, right? 🙃