Good afternoon,

On behalf of Superintendent Dr. Karen Barber, we hope that everyone is safe and recovering following Hurricane Isaias. We want to express our sincere thanks to all the organizations who are helping our schools and our community recover following the storm. Our thoughts and concerns continue to be with our district family and community during this time.

At the direction of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education, all school districts in the Florida Panhandle, including Santa Rosa County District Schools, are directed to reopen schools on Wednesday, October 14th. Teams from Emergency Management, FPL, EREC, the National Guard, and our district staff are working to make final preparations for this reopening, including the clearing of roads and reconnecting electricity to schools still without power. If there are schools that will not be able to reopen, that information will be communicated by Tuesday, October 13th. Flexibility and patience will be necessary from all as we work to get schools to reopen.

Campuses

Multiple recovery partners are actively engaged in restoration efforts. Damage Recovery Group is coordinating restoration activities through the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust. Southern Catastrophe and Edwards Roofing are addressing roofing repairs and temporary dry-in measures. Bergeron Emergency Disaster Services is coordinating debris removal, while Thompson Consulting is monitoring debris operations. A determination will be made Tuesday afternoon for any school that is not safe and ready for students, and families and employees of that school will be notified. Our schools will not be in perfect condition, but they will be safe for the return of our students.

Transportation

Buses will run on Wednesday, but alternative routes will be developed, due to the likelihood of post-hurricane debris and debris removal crews working along roadsides. The Florida Department of Transportation and Santa Rosa Emergency Management are coordinating the removal of debris. Parents and guardians, please walk and supervise your children to and from the alternate bus stop to your home to ensure your children are safe. Please check My Ride K-12 app for alternative route information. Updated route information should be available by Tuesday evening, October 13.

Meals

On Wednesday, alternative meals may be provided, due to delayed food supplier deliveries. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) may serve as this alternative meal. Students may certainly bring meals from home, if parents and guardians prefer.

School Activities

Any athletic practices and contests scheduled for Wednesday or later may still take place at the discretion of the schools, teams, and coaches, and as facilities and conditions allow.

Lastly, we realize there may be some students and staff who are not able to return to school and work. Please communicate directly with your school and leadership regarding your circumstances.

Our thoughts continue to be with all of our school district family. If families are in need of resources during this time, please contact the United Way at 211 for resources and support.

Please stay tuned to district communication channels – including our Facebook, Instagram, and the SRCDS app through Rooms – throughout the week for any additional information.

Additional helpful information from Santa Rosa County can also be found at the link below.

https://santarosa.fl.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2209

Milton High School

Milton High School

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