Polk public schools haven't decided when they'll return; 59% of schools lost power in storm

The timetable on when Polk County public schools will reopen remained uncertain Friday as 59% of the district's schools remained without power following Hurricane Ian.

Superintendent Fred Heid wrote in message to families early Friday afternoon that “at this time, I am unable to make a decision whether school operations will resume on Monday, Oct. 3.”

Of the 131 schools in the district, 77 were without power as of Thursday. Heid wrote that if power is restored Friday or Saturday to all school sites, reopening schools on Monday might be possible.

Heid listed three criteria for schools to reopen:

• Ensuring schools can prepare food safely with necessary refrigeration, sanitation, and water service.
• Completing storm cleanup at campuses.
• Having enough staff available to resume school operations.

“We know that closing schools has a huge impact on the plans and lives of our students and employees, as well as their families,” Heid wrote. “Reopening schools is an essential part of the recovery effort.

Heid added that families can look for updates via email, automated phone calls, social media or the district’s website at www.polkschoolsfl.com.

During the storm, school sites served as shelters for nearly 3,000 people, most of whom have left. On Thursday, the school district was able to close all pet-friendly and general population storm shelters.

However, special needs shelters for those with medical concerns are still operational at the Bartow Civic Center, Ridge Community High and McKeel Academy. These will likely be consolidated into one location in the near future. Meanwhile, agencies are working around the clock to get these individuals to more permanent lodging.

'A little worse than Irma':Areas along the Peace River and South Polk suffer flooding and wind damage

Death toll:Florida officials say at least 21 deaths could be tied to Hurricane Ian

Power:See Lakeland, Lake Wales, Polk County, power outage map

Charter schools: Lake Wales plans to re-open Monday. No word from McKeel

Students at Lake Wales High School, which is part of the Lake Wales charter school district, will return on Monday, athletic director Arianne Seidl said Friday.

Seidl said the school is preparing to host Davenport in a district football game that night in the event that Davenport reopens on Monday.

There was no word from The Schools of McKeel Academy on Friday.

Lakeland Christian, Victory Christian return on Monday. All Saints in limbo 

Students at Lakeland Christian and Victory Christian will return on Monday, as school officials at both schools said the schools have power and are ready for students to return. 

For Victory Christian, that means its football game at Zephryhills Christian that was rescheduled from Friday to 7 p.m. on Monday will be played. 

"We’re trying to get back to a sense of normalcy,” Victory athletic director Scott Skeans said.  

Lakeland Christian athletic director Todd Radford said the school is trying reschedule its district game against Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin but has yet to work it out. Radford said the school might have to get the FHSAA involved. 

All Saints remained without power as of mid-afternoon on Friday. Athletic director Scott Weiss said they’re working on cleanup at the school and hope to return on Monday if power is restored.