As the ominous Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida’s Gulf Coast, residents are bracing for impact. The monstrous storm, now a Category 5, is forecast to bring with it a massive coastal storm surge of 3-12 feet. To ensure the safety of students and staff, public schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have decided to close their doors on the day the hurricane is expected to make landfall. However, the School District of Monroe County seems to be bucking the trend, planning to remain open despite the looming threat.
Miami-Dade Schools to Close Wednesday
Miami-Dade School Superintendent, Jose Dotres, has announced that all schools and District operations will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This decision comes after consultation with Miami-Dade County’s Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. According to Dotres, the weather projections indicate potentially hazardous conditions that could impact safe travel and the well-being of students and staff. He emphasized that the safety of all is their top priority.
Broward and Palm Beach Schools Follow Suit
Broward County Public Schools, too, are taking the threat seriously. Schools will be open Tuesday, then close Wednesday and Thursday until the storm and its dangers have passed. The School District of Palm Beach County shared similar plans. All district-operated schools and offices will be open Tuesday, but after-school events, club meetings, athletics, facility leases and adult education programs are canceled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Monroe County Stands Firm in Face of Hurricane
Despite the National Hurricane Center’s projections that flooding in Monroe County will be worse than in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, the Monroe School District remains an outlier. As of Monday, there were no changes to class and event schedules. The district is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Milton and coordinating with the National Weather Service and Monroe County Emergency Management.
The decision to close or remain open in the face of such a severe weather event is a tough one for school districts. While the safety of students and staff is paramount, the disruption to learning and the potential hardship for parents who may need to arrange childcare are also factors to consider. However, in the case of a Category 5 hurricane, the risks associated with remaining open may far outweigh these considerations.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, residents are urged to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And while the storm will eventually pass, the decisions made in its wake could have lasting impacts on the communities affected. So, whether you’re in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach or Monroe County, stay safe and stay informed.
