The Broward and Miami-Dade school districts have announced that public schools and offices will remain closed through to Friday, September 15.
Public schools in both counties on Thursday, September 7, as Hurricane Irma approached. The early closure was to allow parents and students to prepare for the storm, and school officials to secure the schools. A number of county public schools were assigned as shelters for the public during the storm. Most of these shelters were fully occupied before the outer bands of the storm passed through Broward County on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10th.
Broward County Public Schools
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) in a release said its staff continues to assess school campuses to determine when it will be possible to reopen schools. At this time, according to the release, many school campuses are without power. BCPS is receiving updates from Florida Power & Light (FPL) regarding estimates for when power will be restored Districtwide. The school board said it appreciates how hard FPL crews are working to repair power lines across communities that were damaged by Hurricane Irma.
The District’s goal is to reopen schools on Monday, September 18, 2017, pending the restoration of power. BCPS will continue to keep families and employees updated with the latest information regarding BCPS operations, as it becomes available.
Miami-Dade Public Schools
Miami-Dade Public Schools (M-DCPS) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho also issued a release on Tuesday indicating schools in Miami-Dade will also remain closed through the weekend, with the goal of resuming classes on Monday, September 18th.
Carvalho said the “top priority right now is preparing all schools to welcome students and staff back to a safe and comfortable teaching and learning environment.”
After many school visits, Superintendent Carvalho reported that the structural integrity of the school buildings is strong. In addition, principals have assessed their respective schools, and while there has been minor damage to some schools, no major damage has been reported.
There are, however, several factors that must be considered before schools can re-open.
Access to some schools is limited due to downed or inoperable traffic lights, trees, debris, etc.
Presently, two-thirds of schools do not have power. Florida Power and Light has informed the school district they expect to restore power to all schools by Friday evening.
M-DCPS’ Information Technology system is operational, but many sites are experiencing connectivity issues, mainly due to power outages.
Many school employees also traveled out of the area to escape the hurricane and need time to return.
Carvalho also announced he has reached out to Florida Governor Rick Scott, and Monroe County School District Superintendent Mark T. Porter, offering to welcome Monroe County students into Miami-Dade schools.
No official word was received from the Palm Beach County school district as to when that county’s schools would reopen. Schools in these counties closed Thursday, September 7, as the storm approached.
