Pasco schools 'definitely opening' on Wednesday


Pasco schools 'definitely opening' on Wednesday

No decisions have been made for makeup days after nine days off for two hurricanes

Pasco County students will have classes again Wednesday after having missed seven days because of Hurricane Milton.

"We are definitely opening schools tomorrow," superintendent Kurt Browning said Tuesday.

The district continued to monitor the power situation at San Antonio Elementary and East Pasco Education Academy in Dade City. The two campuses were the only ones remaining without electricity Tuesday, and Browning said he had spoken with Tampa Electric Co. CEO Archie Collins about fast-tracking the restoration.

Work to return water and sewer service to Zephyrhills High, which experienced flooding during the storm, was nearing completion. And repairs to ripped up roofing at Pasco High school also were made to limit disruptions to classes there.

Teachers and staff returned to work Tuesday if they were able, preparing classrooms, organizing lessons and ensuring the buildings are safe and secure for students.

"We are ready," Browning said.

He acknowledged that some students and employees might not be able to get back, and stressed that the schools will work with each individually to accommodate their needs.

The district has not yet made any plans to make up the missed days. Options include extending the time students are in school daily, lengthening the academic year and canceling previously planned days off.

Already, the district revamped its semester schedule because of Hurricane Helene, for which it canceled two days of classes. The first semester now will run into January, instead of ending before winter break. Students also are scheduled to return from winter break on Jan. 6 instead of Jan. 7.

But more changes will need to take place to meet state requirements.

"We don't know yet" what those might be, Browning said. "Everything is on the table."

* * *

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