Hurricane Irma Aftermath: Monroe County Schools Stagger Reopening

KEY WEST, FL — Monroe County Schools will resume Monday, but on a "staggered" basis.

Superintendent Mark Porter decided to stagger the reopening based on an evaluation of the schools, continuing key infrastructure repairs and the readiness of various communities to support school openings.

"Reopening schools is a significant step toward returning to a sense of normalcy for all of our communities. These expectations will be implemented with compassion and flexibility for students and employees,” Porter said in a statement on the district's website. (For more information on Monroe County school openings and other Miami-area stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The following schools will reopen Monday, with workers to report Thursday:

• Plantation Key School
• Coral Shores High School
• Key Largo School
• Ocean Studies School
• Treasure Village Montessori

The following schools in Key West and Marathon will open Wednesday, Sept. 27, with workers reporting Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 25 and 26:

• Stanley Switlik Elementary School
• Marathon Middle High School
• Gerald Adams Elementary School
• Horace O’Bryant School
• Key West Collegiate Academy
• Key West High School
• May Sands Montessori Charter School
• Poinciana Elementary School
• Sigsbee Charter School

Schools in the area most affected by the storm will open Monday, Oct. 2, with employees reporting Thursday, Sept. 28.

• Big Pine Academy
• Sugarloaf School

Porter initially said he wanted all schools to reopen Monday, Sept. 25. He decided to amend the plan after getting feedback from district officials and the community. The latest schedule is also subject to change.

Transportation services will be restored, but routes and timing could change, the district said. Any student who returns to the county before the scheduled opening of their school — particularly Big Pine Academy and Sugarloaf School — can attend one of the open schools.

All students can eat free breakfast and lunch until Oct. 20.

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