Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has made the decision to close the Escambia County School District on Monday and Tuesday.

Schools will be closed because they will be needed to open as hurricane shelters Monday morning, Thomas said.

“Because our community relies heavily on the use of our schools for evacuation shelters, it is imperative that schools are made available during the evacuation order,” spokeswoman Cathy Irwin said. “This decision allows parents, employees and the community adequate time to prepare and evacuate as appropriate.”

Only administrative and maintenance personnel are to report to work on Monday. Other essential personnel as notified by their supervisor will report to work on Monday to assist with pre-storm preparation.

All remaining employees and all students should not report to work/school on Monday and Tuesday and await further instructions.

All extra-curricular activities scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled.

For recorded up-to-date information, please call 469-5306.