After our weeklong ordeal, we are ready to get back to school next week. Buildings will be ready, and schools will reopen on Monday to a normal instructional day. While I encourage everyone to try to get back to the city this weekend and try to visit your schools, I understand that many of you may have to get your homes in order and your families situated after your return to the city. Cleanup and repair crews are working feverishly to bring your schools up to standards.
Even though Gustav’s damage to our school buildings paled in comparison to Katrina’s, there were still a number of schools that experienced damaged roofs or damaged windows. Because of widespread power outages, some schools experienced condensation issues that sometimes result when buildings are sealed, power goes out and air conditioning systems go down. With power now being restored, and with RSD generators being installed in schools still without power, we are addressing any issues that might have resulted from condensation and moisture in the buildings.
We fully expect that by Monday, all RSD schools will be in at least as good a condition as when schools started. While we understand that the student population may not return as quickly as we would like, I want to stress again that we will be returning to a normal instructional day beginning Monday. Despite the week that schools were closed, we will not have to add a single makeup day. This is because our instructional year -- as measured by instructural minutes -- will still exceed the state’s mandate.
As you may know, we provided the state with over 400 yellow school buses to help with the city’s evacuation. I can assure you that we will have more than enough buses on hand to handle our transportation needs.
We anticipate no problems ensuring that our security resources are in place by Monday, and all administrative offices will have full technology capabilities. We will continue working through the week to restore full classroom technology. We ask for your patience as our technicians complete this task.
I can also assure you that payroll has been processed, and we expect no interruptions. Friday will be a normal payday.
Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students. Our children will need you more than ever as they return to school.
See you next week.
