Our team continues to work diligently to prepare PCPS schools to reopen to our students and staff.

However, our schools must remain closed on Monday, October 14th and Tuesday, October 15th. We expect to reopen our campuses to students on Wednesday, October 16th.

Three factors impact our ability to safely reopen our schools: We must have adequate power, food and staff.

Our energy providers are doing an excellent job and are working around the clock to restore power. However, complete or partial failures continue to occur at more than 30 school locations.

Our facilities staff have worked tirelessly to prepare our campuses. But we need more time to complete necessary repairs and cleanup. School kitchens must be fully functional and able to accept deliveries of new food.

We are also learning that some of our school staff will not be able to return on Monday due to their own difficult storm-related circumstances.

Again, students will NOT return to school on Monday and Tuesday. We expect to reopen our campuses to students on Wednesday, October 16th.

Even though schools remain closed Monday and Tuesday, PCPS employees will mobilize and work to reopen campuses.

Some available district employees will return to their district offices and work locations on Monday, October 14. Your offices and workplaces have been supplied with power and cleared to resume operations.

All available PCPS school staff, including teachers, will return to their school sites on Tuesday, October 15 to assist in final preparations for reopening.

Any employees facing significant challenges following the storm should speak to their managers about returning to work.

When schools reopen, we expect there will be staffing shortages for some key employees, including bus drivers. We ask for your patience.

We understand that school closures raise concerns about loss of instructional time and the possibility of substitute days. We remain in communication with the Florida Department of Education regarding our status and the challenging circumstances facing our community. We will keep you updated on any plans regarding possible makeup days.

Thank you for your understanding as we strive to return to normal operations. We appreciate your support and look forward to our students and staff returning to school.