Santa Rosa Schools Plan Wednesday Reopening; Several Campuses Damaged by Isaias

MILTON, Fla. — Santa Rosa County public schools are preparing to reopen Wednesday, although officials say individual campuses could remain closed if they cannot safely accommodate students.

Superintendent Karen Barber said the district was directed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education to work toward a Wednesday reopening.

Several campuses suffered damage during Hurricane Isaias.

Milton High School sustained significant damage to its gymnasium, including a partially removed roof. Hobbs Middle School sustained damage to a multipurpose room, while Gulf Breeze High School was damaged along its main hallway.

Jay High School and Jay Elementary also sustained storm damage, and some schools experienced water intrusion.

The challenge extends beyond school buildings.

Santa Rosa County transports approximately 16,000 students, and some normal bus routes may remain obstructed by debris. County crews are making additional passes along school-bus routes, and the district says alternate routes may be necessary.

Barber has asked parents to supervise children traveling between their homes and bus stops because storm debris and other hazards remain.

DeSantis said Monday that the state expects most Panhandle schools to be operating Wednesday.

Escambia County has not yet announced whether all of its campuses will reopen Wednesday. Superintendent Keith Leonard said Monday the district was evaluating power, building damage and bus-route safety and could consider shared campuses or other temporary arrangements if individual schools cannot reopen with the rest of the district.