Broward Schools to remain closed Friday, flooding leaves behind about $2 million in damage
Broward County Public Schools will stay closed for a second day Friday because of the record rainfall that wreaked havoc in South Florida this week, particularly in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, said School Board Chair Lori Alhadeff.
“Regretfully, we could not fully assess all campuses nor complete all the necessary repairs at those we were able to assess. Additionally, many of our staff were unable to access school campuses due to heavy flooding,” Alhadeff announced during a 6 p.m. virtual press conference Thursday.
“For that reason, schools and district offices will remain closed on Friday, April 14,” she said.
The district also canceled all before- and after-school activities, field trips, events and evening classes. Schools will likely reopen Monday, April 17, after the two-day closure.
READ MORE: Chest-high water, boat rescues after ‘unprecedented’ rainfall in Fort Lauderdale area
Broward County recorded what Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis called “unprecedented” rainfall, with more than 2 feet of rain drenching Fort Lauderdale Wednesday in what weather forecasters called “historic’’ rain levels. Many were stranded in their cars, got trapped in hip-deep water and evacuated their homes.
Fort Lauderdale and Broward County both declared a state of emergency. Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency in Broward. A flood watch was in effect for coastal and metro Broward and Miami-Dade counties until 8 p.m. Thursday.
Valerie Wanza, the district’s acting chief of staff, said they estimate the damage to schools to tally around $2 million because of the flooding, mainly at building entrances. However, the financial toll could grow higher because the district still has to examine 30 schools more closely.
School campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Dania, Hallandale and Oakland Park were hit the hardest. The district has 240 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 90 charter schools.
READ MORE: 26 inches of rain? Why flood warnings are still posted in South Florida, and what’s next
On Wednesday, the school district waited until 11:30 p.m. to cancel classes for Thursday.
In response to criticism of the last-minute decision, John Sullivan, a district spokesman, said school officials usually try to cancel class with more advance time so families and staff can plan accordingly, but that wasn’t possible in this case.
“We do understand the timing was not ideal,” Sullivan said. “Unfortunately it was unforeseen that we were going to get that type of weather event. I don’t think anyone anticipated the rainfall that we received throughout the county, particularly on the east coast.”
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Public Schools opened Thursday. One school, Aventura Waterways K-8 Center, experienced flooding following the heavy rain and one of two parking lots closed.
Miami-Dade school officials said Thursday afternoon they don’t expect any school closures on Friday.
Miami Herald Staff Writer Sommer Brugal contributed to this report.
