Santa Rosa County Schools
The Santa Rosa County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday morning to keep schools closed through Friday, Oct. 16. Classes will resume on Monday, Oct. 19.
- The vote reverses the earlier decision to reopen schools on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Teachers who protested that plan deserve credit for the change.
“Thank you for your advocacy and for your continued support of our students, families and community.”
—Superintendent Karen Barber
Teachers spoke up. Educators across the district objected to opening campuses while recovery work was still underway. They made their case publicly, and the board listened.
- The board acted. Barber announced the unanimous vote in a message to families Tuesday afternoon. She said the extra days will allow continued work at school sites for the safety of students and staff and give the community more time to recover.
Barber acknowledged the pressure. Her message thanked the community for its “advocacy.” It did not name the teachers, but the timing speaks for itself.
What parents need to know
- Schools are closed Wednesday, Oct. 14, through Friday, Oct. 16
- Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, Oct. 19
- If specific schools still lack power or have unfinished restoration work on Monday, the district says it will notify families in advance
- The school calendar will be adjusted to account for the added closure days
The questions that remain. The district has not said how the calendar will change or which makeup days will be used. It also has not said how many campuses are still without power or awaiting repairs. Parents and employees deserve those answers before Monday.
The board got this one right in the end. It should not have taken a teacher protest to get there.
NOTICE FROM BARBER
Good afternoon.
This is Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Schools for Santa Rosa County School District. After careful consideration and respect for our community, the Santa Rosa County School Board unanimously voted at this morning’s regularly scheduled school board meeting to remain closed through Friday, October 16th.
Schools will resume on Monday, October 19th. This extension will allow for continued work at our school sites, ensure the safety of our students and staff, and provide additional time for our community to recover. If there are specific schools on Monday still without power or where restoration work has not been completed, we will notify families in advance.
The school calendar will be adjusted as a result of the additional days of closure. Thank you for your advocacy and for your continued support of our students, families and community. Be safe.