Public schools and district offices in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4, in response to Hurricane Dorian.

School is expected to resume as usual on Thursday, Sept. 5. Please note public schools and district offices were already scheduled to be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day.

The decision to close schools and offices was made in collaboration with Polk County Emergency Management personnel.

Please be advised that the decision to close is not binding upon charter and private schools. Those schools should be contacted directly for more information.

Again, public schools and district offices in Polk County will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and Wednesday, Sept. 4.

All school activities, athletics and special events previously scheduled for Monday, Sept. 2 through Wednesday, Sept. 4 are canceled as well. This includes the Polk County School Board work session and meetings and Polk District College Fair previously scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3.

PCPS employee health clinics will be open during regular hours on Saturday, Aug. 31, but will follow the same closings as all other district offices.

We will continue to monitor news and weather reports, but at this time, school is expected to resume as usual on Thursday, Sept. 5.

We know that the decision as to whether to close our schools and offices has a significant impact on our students and employees, as well as their families. We appreciate their understanding and patience. We will continue to monitor weather conditions as they develop and remain in contact with Polk County emergency personnel.

Polk County Public Schools will provide updates on the reopening of schools and offices using the automated telephone calling system for parents and guardians, as well as the district’s website and social media (Facebook and Twitter). Local media will also be notified.

Due to an expected high volume of phone calls to the district office, please refer first to our website and social media accounts for updates.