Financial and Risk Management Analysis of the Education Sector in Southeast Texas During Hurricane Harvey

Abstract

A well-developed education system is important for local economic growth. Without an educated and skilled labor force, local economic growth is almost impossible. This is one of the reasons why the education sector has the support and attention of various public and private stakeholders. Risks and interruptions of activities of educational institutions can have long-term effects on this sector and on the economy in general. Natural disasters are frequent in Southeast Texas and can have the potential to disrupt normal activities of schools and colleges including the financial sustainability of educational institutions. This study analyzes how risks were managed during natural disasters in the education sector of Southeast Texas. The second area of research focuses on understanding the financial resiliency and recovery of educational institutions in this region.