At least eight Houston area school districts are welcoming kids back to classrooms today, despite the efforts of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Holly Hansen with 'The Texan' says Governor Abbott stepped in stopped Hidalgo's order to keep classes closed
"The county and city do not have the authority to order the schools closed," Hansen explained.
Zeph Capo with the American Federation of Teachers Texas says a lot of kids are already back in class.
"It's probably half and half. More of the suburban districts are coming back to classroom learning," Capo said.
Among districts opening today are Katy ISD. Barbers Hill ISD has 80% of their kids back in the classroom. Superintendent Greg Poole said it was an easy decision.
"If kids are behind they fall further behind," Poole said. "Many of the children in Harris County are in that category. I think it's educational malpractice."
All HISD schools open virtually today. There will be no in class learning until October 19th. The district has virtual learning centers for kids without technology at home.