San Antonio Standard

Wednesday marks exactly a year since an 18-year-old gunman walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and killed 21 people, including 19 students. 

As the South Texas city some 80 miles west of San Antonio and its public school district observe the unenviable, somber milestone, U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona said his department will continue to support ongoing recovery efforts, San Antonio FOX affiliate KABB reported.

"In the wake of this tragedy, the U.S. Department of Education pledged that Uvalde would not have to shoulder this burden alone, and that we would use every resource available to support them in every way possible,” Cardona said in a statement obtained by KABB. “One year later, the needs in Uvalde remain significant.”

“In addition to the $1.5 million we provided last year to support their immediate needs, we are continuing our commitment with another $1.5 million Project SERV grant to help students, families and educators continue coping with this grief and trauma as the district works to restore a sense of safety in their schools,” Cardona added. 

The secretary said he’ll never forget his visit to Uvalde to mourn with the community and vowed to continue praying for them.

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) cancelled classes and closed campuses and facilities through after Memorial Day, San Antonio Standard reported. 

It has also imposed a backpack ban through the end of the current academic year. 

Just days before the anniversary, Uvalde municipal and county leaders appealed for privacy, saying it’s essential to the ongoing healing process with so many people still grappling with the fallout of the shooting.

In San Antonio, several area districts paid tribute to the fallen at Robb, San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT reported. 

Their social media accounts bear an image of the state in UCISD’s colors of maroon and white, per the station. 

“One year later, we remember and send continued strength and comfort to our neighbors in Uvalde,” the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) wrote on Facebook.