“Courage in Crisis” Presented to DCPS for Service During Hurricane

In recognition of the tremendous relief efforts provided by Duval County Public Schools during Hurricane Irma, the district was awarded a “Courage in Crisis” honor by the Council of Great City Schools, a national association of urban public school districts. This honor was announced and presented on Friday to DCPS Superintendent Dr. Patricia Willis during the district’s recognition ceremony for all employees who served during the storm.

Eleven of the 12 facilities designated as hurricane shelters were district schools. Before the storm, employees helped prepare each shelter school and distributed more than 2,000 cots, 300 animal cages, 800 sleeping mats and 1,400 blankets. During the storm, teams of maintenance staff, administrators, food service personnel, and school police were at each shelter school around the clock to provide support. Afterwards, administrative teams, operations staff and school police worked to assess damage, clean and sanitize schools, clear debris and ensure campuses were safe for reopening. In total, approximately 466 employees were involved in Hurricane Irma relief efforts. Shown is DCPS interim Superintendent Dr. Patricia Willis (center) surrounded by DCPS board members Warren Jones and Paula Wright