Sarasota County schools to reopen Tuesday

Southside Elementary School. Photo by Norman Schimmel

All Sarasota County public schools will reopen Tuesday, Aug. 28, after being closed Monday as Tropical Storm Isaac approached.

Superintendent Lori White, in consultation with Sarasota County Emergency Management officials, closed schools as a precautionary measure today, Aug. 27. Officials were concerned about the possibility of storm surge and tornadoes as a result of Isaac, and there were concerns about getting students safely to and from schools, including children waiting at bus stops, a district news release says.

In addition, some schools were needed for emergency shelters for people with special needs and the general population.

“Fortunately, there was no damage to school buildings and the track of Isaac has changed,” the news release says, so classes and school bus schedules will resume at the usual times Tuesday. All traditional public schools, charter schools, alternative schools and the Sarasota County Technical Institute will be open. Registration for Adult and Community Enrichment classes also will resume Tuesday at SCTI.

A recorded telephone message is being sent to parents about school reopening Tuesday, and an update is being posted to the district website at http://www.sarasotacountyschools.net/.