Flood damage to Broward schools estimated at $8 million

Broward County Schools have suffered significant damage due to the heavy rains and flooding that plagued the region last week. The district initially estimated the cost of the damage to be $2 million, but it has since increased to a staggering $8 million.

In an effort to address the issue, the school district has decided to apply for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Despite the daunting challenge presented by the damaged schools, Broward’s maintenance crews worked diligently throughout the weekend to ensure that all schools, including those with significant damage, were able to reopen on Monday.

John Sullivan, a spokesperson for the district, expressed gratitude for the swift and efficient response of the teams, who worked overtime to return the schools to normal.

The damage was most severe in nine schools located in the Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood areas, including Attucks Middle, Olsen Middle, Parkway Middle, Seagull Alternative School, Steven Foster Elementary, Stranahan High, Walker Elementary, Westwood Heights Elementary, and Whiddon Rogers Education Center.

The repairs required are extensive, ranging from the replacement of ceiling tiles to the repair of drywall, all due to the water intrusion and flooding that occurred.

Board member Sarah Leonardi expressed her admiration for the district’s response, noting that the affected schools received an unprecedented level of attention from the district.

While the damage has been extensive, the school district is optimistic about the future and hopes that the Education Commission Manny Diaz will waive the missed days caused by the historic rainfall, rather than forcing students to make them up at a later date. The district awaits a response.