Lee Schools closed through Thursday
The School District of Lee County has closed schools from Monday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 10, as Tropical Storm Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.
“The district has been working closely with Lee County’s Emergency Operations Center in preparation for Tropical Storm Milton’s impact to our area. The National Hurricane Center indicates that our area is likely to be impacted by at least tropical storm strength winds and potentially up to hurricane force winds, heavy rainfall, significant area flooding, and storm surge later this week,” an email to parents a little after 1 p.m. Sunday states.
Lee County declaring a local state of emergency and its decision to activate some of the schools as storm shelters also was a factor in the district’s decision.
To prepare the schools, teams will begin going into locations to get them ready to become shelters starting Monday. Lee County officials will announce which locations will be open for storm shelters.
“Principals, additional administrators, building supervisors, and other critical personnel as outlined in the district’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan, are expected to report to their school location on Monday, Oct. 7, to make the appropriate preparations for the incoming storm,” the email states.
The main school district office and satellite locations will be open Monday during regular business hours, but will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The potential re-opening of district and satellite offices for Thursday, will be shared by Wednesday evening.
The school board’s action and briefing meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 8 – has been postponed and will be rescheduled if needed.
Schools were recently closed for two days due to Hurricane Helene. The hurricane make-up days have been scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, and Monday, Jan. 6.
The instructional calendar will be further evaluated to determine which dates can be used for these four days.