Sarasota granted $100,000 in hurricane aid for school staff

The Sarasota County Education Foundation received a $100,000 grant Thursday from the Florida Disaster Fund that will be used to to clean up and restore campuses quickly after hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Foundation said.

In a news conference at Booker High School, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100,000 grants given to education foundations in Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

In a news release, the Sarasota County Education Foundation said the funds will go into its newly established Hurricane Relief and Recovery Fund. 

Foundation spokeswoman Sarah Glendening said the school district has sent a survey to all employees to get an understanding of their needs both for home and school. As of Thursday afternoon, 4,081 have responded with varying levels of need. "Some simply need supplies while some families have lost their homes," she said via email.

"We will work directly with Sarasota County Schools to distribute the funding we have available. That said, we are grateful to have received $100,000 today to begin making that possible."

Sarasota School District Superintendent Terry Conner said Thursday the funds are greatly appreciated.

“It has been one-two punch over the last couple of week with Debby, Helene and Milton,” he said.

Conner said schools serving as emergency shelters during Hurricane Milton housed more than 10,000 residents. Booker High alone took in more than 2,000 people.

In addition to debris removal and comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting required for each building, individual classrooms may need repairs and basic supplies replenished, the foundation said. 

Conner noted district staff worked above and beyond to prepare and operate the shelters. ”It takes a lot of work and a lot of effort.” 

Connor also praised teachers and staff for getting schools up and running so quickly after the storm. Classes resumed Wednesday, Oct. 16. 

“I had the privilege to walk schools yesterday,” Connor said. “As I walked those classes and saw those smiles on the teachers’ faces and the students’ faces. … They wanted to be back. 

“The routine that you bring back to the community when schools are in session, that is the stability of the community.”