HURRICANE IAN EFFECTS TOO STRONG FOR SAFE SCHOOL…
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
UPDATE: 11:33 a.m. – Private schools are now announcing closures. American Heritage is closed on Wednesday.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2022 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — All Palm Beach County public schools will be closed on Wednesday as the effects of Hurricane Ian are expected to bring significant weather issues to Palm Beach County.
From the School District as of 10:40 a.m. Tuesday:
In an abundance of caution, Superintendent Mike Burke has made the decision to close District-operated schools and offices on Wednesday, September 28, as Hurricane Iancontinues to gain strength and track closer to Florida’s west coast.
Additionally, all after-school activities, including sports, school meetings, and leases are also canceled on September 28.
A decision regarding closures beyond September 28 is under consideration, and that information will be shared with parents and staff in an expedient manner.
As for today, September 27, the District is operating on the same schedule shared with you via email yesterday. Schools are open today as normal, and aftercare programs will remain operational through 6 p.m. All extracurricular activities, athletics, evening leases, and evening adult education classes are canceled.
“We have been watching Hurricane Ian closely before making our decision to close schools,” Superintendent Mike Burke said. “While Palm Beach County is not currently included in the National Hurricane Center’s probability cone, hazardous conditions in our area may occur. I will continue to work closely with emergency managers and make timely decisions in the best interest of our students and staff.”
In addition to keeping parents and staff informed via email and calls, the District has established a Hurricane Ian update and resource webpage. That web page contains continually updated information about the storm’s potential impact on our School District, along with information about emergency contacts, county and state updates, and resources for supporting young children who may be frightened by the storm.
Palm Beach County’s Department of Emergency Management determines when emergency shelters are open. At this time, the District has not been directed to open school-based shelters. If that changes, that information will be stated on the District’s Hurricane Ian webpage.
School District leaders will continue to work closely with County, State, and Federal emergency management officials to assess Ian’s impact on the District, and determine when it is safe for schools and offices to reopen.
