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the remaining 75 campuses that sustained heavier damage from wind and flood waters. About 85 miles to the east, Beamont ISD opened on Sept. 13. Tere, Sr. Director of Transportation Kayne Smith said all school buses remained free of damage and 15 of the vehicles assisted in evacuations for residents where waters were rising. Additionally, charter buses transported the displaced to
longer-term shelters outside of city limits. “It’s been a storm for the ages, one I
couldn’t have imagined in my worst night- mares,” said Smith. “Our drivers stepped up and volunteered to assist in driving district buses through the city to assist those in need. I could not be more proud of the team I have at Beaumont ISD and the community we have in Beaumont.”
Some 1,200 miles away, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Cudjoe Key, Florida near Key West. Monroe County ordered mandatory evacuations ahead of Irma as did Miami-Dade County, Fort-Lauderdale and Tampa, with Broward County and Collier County issuing voluntary orders. Monroe County School Dis- trict suffered the most damage and remained closed until Sept. 25 at this report. “I want to acknowledge that it is an
to and from school, rarely with any serious incidents. Million Children
475,000 25
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20 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2017
Each day, approximately carry
School Buses
aggressive goal but I am committed to making this a reality for as many schools and students as possible,” said Superinten- dent Mark Porter on Sept. 16, the same day the Seven Mile Bridge that connects the mainland with Marathon reopened. Te following day residents of the Lower Keys and Key West began returning home to widespread devastation. Gov. Rick Scott announced on Sept. 18 that around 10,000 residents were essentially homeless. After leaving the Keys, Irma again made landfall, skirted the area as it stayed toward Florida’s West Coast and traveled toward Hillsborough County Public Schools serving the Tampa area. Te district used 50 school buses to evacuate residents with spe- cial needs to shelters, both during and after the storm, said Director of Transportation James Beekman. Tis required seven routing and planning staff members to work during the storm to route 300 plus bus routes. “I have to say, there were some very trying times and some very rewarding and emotion- al moments. Te evacuees were at our mercy and so vulnerable. Some broke my heart,” said school bus driver Sherry Carlisle, a 26- year veteran. “I tried my best to convey to them that it was an honor and my pleasure to take them to safety. While I pray that we will never have to repeat the past few days, I pray I’ll be a part of the team that does it.” Tere was flooding but no reports of
extensive damage to buses or buildings. However, a 100-year-old elementary school burned down after electricity was restored on Sept. 12. “Te district is moving those stu- dents to another school site and we are going out to the community to share with them the new bus routes and times,” Beekman added. Orange County Public Schools in Orlando
reported minimal damage to its bus fleet and to its transportation buildings, as well as erosion next to a bus depot from a drain pipe that district officials said likely became overwhelmed by rising lake water nearby.
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