Community Unites After Hurricane Milton as Manatee Schools Prepare to Reopen

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, a storm that has left a historic impact on the area, the community is coming together to support one another during these challenging times. The storm forced the closure of schools and disrupted daily life, but it also showcased the resilience and compassion of residents.

Seventeen local schools stepped up to serve as emergency shelters, providing safety and shelter to more than 11,000 residents and families during the storm. District employees worked around the clock to support shelter operations, and their dedication has been met with gratitude from the community.

As of Friday evening, district maintenance teams had completed an assessment of all schools to evaluate damage and power outages. While significant progress has been made, 33 schools and worksites remain without power. The district is working diligently through the weekend to restore facilities, hoping to welcome students back as soon as possible.

Monday, October 14th, will remain a scheduled Record Day for staff, with no school for students. The district aims to resume classes on Tuesday, October 15th, and an update regarding this timeline will be shared by 5 p.m. Monday.

With Hurricanes Helene and Milton impacting instructional days, the district emphasizes the importance of refocusing on teaching and learning. The goal is to help students quickly regain their academic momentum and achieve their learning objectives for the school year.