Broward and Miami-Dade counties plan to reopen schools Monday

700,000 students welcome to return to school Monday

MIAMI – Even if you haven't recovered from Hurricane Irma, public schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties will reopen Monday morning.

Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie made the announcement Saturday and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's announced it Sunday. 

"There may be delays, inconvenience and a bit of discomfort," Carvalho tweeted. "We ask for your patience as we transition back to school."

Some bus routes could be delayed, because drivers will have to maneuver around debris and downed trees. They will also have to make full stops at intersections without working traffic lights. Police officers and crossing guards were also reporting to work around the schools to help keep students safe. 

There were some protests on social media when Monroe County Schools Superintendent Mark Porter asked employees to report back to work on Thursday and Friday. Residents were just making their way back to the Lower Keys Sunday. He is planning to reopen schools Sept. 25-28. 

This hurricane season has been challenging for teachers and students in the public school districts of Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. Hurricane Irma made landfall in Monroe County a week ago, but the Category 4 storm was so massive it left some damage in South Florida. 

Tropical Storm Maria was expected to strengthen into a hurricane Sunday, and the Local 10 News' Weather Center meteorologists reported it was threatening Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles, but it was too soon to determine if it was going to impact South Florida. 

While all of the Broward County schools had power, Richmond Heights Middle School in Miami-Dade didn't, so those students were going to be relocated to Coral Reef Senior High School

Runcie acknowledged some families were still facing challenges, so the schools will be providing free breakfast and lunch to all students for the next several weeks. The before and after school child care will also reopen Monday.

 


About the Authors:

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.