The new school year begins with school districts across the country, including those in and around Bexar County, still plagued with a bus driver shortage.

A district spokesperson confirmed the death of Laurie Marrero, 71.

SAN ANTONIO – The North East Independent School District had its share of water lines that burst, but the costliest damage to the city’s second largest school district was to four large chillers at three of its schools. “Some of those chillers just froze over, broke and have to be replaced, unfortunately,” said NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor. Normally used for air conditioning systems, the chillers affected were at Churchill High School, Bush Middle School and Garner Middle School. “We had so many wonderful, wonderful maintenance staff, custodians, everyone who left their own families at home,” she said. “When it’s all said and done, we’re probably looking at about two million.”Chancellor said the school district is covered by insurance, but it has a $100,000 deductible.

SAN ANTONIO – A Johnson High School employee is infected with the novel coronavirus, according to Northeast Independent School District officials. On Wednesday, Principal Gary Comalander notified faculty and staff of the positive COVID-19 test. Comalander said the employee did not have any contact with students, but did visit the campus twice prior to testing positive for the virus. School district officials notified the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and an investigation is underway to determine if any other employees may have been exposed to the virus. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

SAN ANTONIO – Welcome to Colonial Hills Elementary School where seeds have been planted at this Northeast Independent School District campus inspiring students to develop green thumbs. There are 22 garden beds at Colonial Hills where the students plant, harvest and deliver produce straight to the cafeteria. All the fresh produce is inspiring these fifth-graders to cook more and it's something they can be proud about. From salsa to fall apple cinnamon-infused water, the students at Colonial Hills are learning healthy recipes while bonding together in the CHEF, a Culinary Health Education for Families program. Full Screen 1 / 25Thank you to Go Public and Orangetheory Fitness for making these school features possible.