SARASOTA COUNTY – The Sarasota County School District is ensuring all of its staff is ready to get back to class as schools re-open in phases following Hurricane Ian.
“They’re ready to go and I’m not quite there yet, so I’m a little behind in regards to the rest of my colleagues,” said ESE Liaison at Sarasota Middle School, Cassandra King.
The Sarasota County School District hosted an employee hurricane relief support event Tuesday, to ensure all staff members in the county are ready to get back into classrooms
“It’s been a little surreal, a lot of damage, everywhere but I see some good too, I think the community has really pulled together and I know my neighbors now better than I did before so I’m really trying to hold onto those silver linings,” said King.
Sarasota County Schools in North County re-opened Monday, while schools in South County are set to open October 17th. ESE Liaison, at Sarasota Middle School, Cassandra King lives in South County but works in North County.
“I really need somewhere to live for the next 30 days, my house needs to be gutted and I was trying to fill out an Airbnb just some funding I lost a lot of personal property, including clothes, appliances and food so it’s just really nice that this was available to so many people,” said King.
FEMA specialists were on site providing services in addition to insurance companies, mental health support services and free lunches for the staff and their families.
“We’re just trying to take care of neighbors and be good intentional neighbors,” said Director of Innovation and Equity at Sarasota County Schools, Dr. Harriet Moore.
For North Port High School Math teacher, Sheila Thomas. Returning to school on Monday brings a sense of relief
“When you don’t have school, you’re just thinking about other things so at least that will help me focus on some other things besides everything going on that is just so up in the air,” said North Port High School Math Teacher, Sheila Thomas.
Schools in North Port and Englewood will re-open October 17th.
