Dear Editor:

As a student living in Katy and attending Katy ISD schools, the increasing frequency of climate disasters like Hurricane Beryl and, more recently, Hurricane Rafael, deeply concerns me and my peers. This past July, Beryl flooded Houston’s streets and left millions without power, while Rafael, forming unusually late in the season, highlights the shifting weather patterns affecting Texas. These events are stark reminders of the growing impact of climate change on our communities. It's clear that cities like Houston, and surrounding areas such as Katy, must change how we grow and prepare for the future. In older Katy schools like Taylor or Katy High School, the HVAC systems are often unreliable, shutting off unexpectedly around 3 p.m., making it difficult for students to focus—upgrading to modern, sustainable systems would greatly improve our learning environment and be a better investment for the future.

Although we have got enough warning of its occurrence to put plans together, how do we get sustainable and resilient infrastructure in our schools? That’s why me and a group of students have been tackling that problem with our Katy ISD Electrification project, which proposes to replace old, energy consuming solutions with cleaner and higher quality resolutions. Electrifying school systems, including heating, cooling, and transportation, can reduce our environmental footprint and help schools withstand severe weather, preventing the disruptions we’ve seen in the past.

It’s time for Katy ISD to follow the lead of other districts nationwide in committing to electrification. I encourage you to contact your local school board and advocate for this initiative. Let’s ensure our schools are prepared for the future by promoting sustainability and resilience today. Your voice can help make a difference!

Thank you for your time,

Amukta Panchangamvenkata

Katy, Texas