SAN ANTONIO — North East Independent School District is apologizing for the technical glitch that slowed the start of the first day of school by 90 minutes.
According to NEISD, they use a third-party host to help deliver their online education experience during the coronavirus failed when more than 60,000 families and around 5,000 teachers tried to log on. The system crashed.
"We rely on that third party host," Aubrey Chancellor said. " And, we hoped that they would know that, of course, there is going to be a whole lot more traffic than what this site is accustomed to."
Chancellor, the district's communications chief, said they use a hosting company called Blackboard. She said it appeared the company was not prepared for their first day of school.
"I think there is a learning curve,' She said. "Our host should have been prepared and we're sorry that this happened."
Several parents reached out to KENS 5 after an hour-long blackout on the district's virtual site took place.
The district told us Blackboard experienced issues nationwide.
The crash took place around 8 a.m. Monday right when the bell rang. Well, virtually.
Teachers like Rocio Gonzalez came into empty classrooms and met their students online.
"We've anticipated certain elements, but there are all these variables that have come up that I don't think anyone could have anticipated until you are actually in it," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez works at Regency Place Elementary School as a second-grade teacher. Her room like the entire school was devoid of the usual energy and noise from elementary school students on day one.
"I know what best practice looks like," She said.
The COVID-19 created classroom is different. It was also a place filled with emotion for the third year teacher whose daughter started kindergarten during the major technical problem.
"She's struggling," Gonzalez said. "It can be difficult for certain kids."
Chancellor said the district benefitted from educators who are flexible and quick on their feet. Their technology problem is now resolved.
The San Antonio Independent School District started online classes too. SAISD reports sporadic digital issues that lasted for about an hour.
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