Manatee County public schools off until Monday, Sept. 18

The School District of Manatee County has announced its schools will remain closed until Monday, Sept. 18.

After a meeting Monday evening, the district said school facilities and grounds, 24 which acted as shelters to more than 25,000 evacuees and thousands of pets during Hurricane Irma, need to be "restored and rehabilitated" for students and faculty.

All athletic events, practices and other extra-curricular activities also are cancelled until Sept. 18.

Twenty-six of the schools were without power on Monday afternoon. Almost all campuses need to have debris cleared away from the storm. 

All district employees will be off on Tuesday, Sept. 12 except those directly involved with cleanup efforts. Teachers and paraprofessionals return to work Friday, Sept. 15.

“This has been an extraordinary ordeal for our community and our schools,” said Superintendent Diana Greene in a release. “I am incredibly proud of our employees for the amazingly positive and affirming way they responded to those in need at our school shelters.

"They, and the many volunteers who helped, gave above and beyond. I also want to thank all of the law enforcement personnel, National Guard troops, first responders and Emergency Management officials who gave us aid, comfort and protection in the face of this historic storm. We will be closer as a School District and community because of this experience.”