Post-Hurricane Hellene Recovery – First Day Back for Students, Educators, and Staff

Today marked the first day back for students, educators, and staff following the devastating impact of Hurricane Hellene. I spent the day visiting several schools across the district to assess recovery efforts and observe the resilience of our educational community as students returned to the classroom.

At Crystal River High School (CRHS), Lecanto Primary School (LPS), Crystal River Middle School (CRMS), and Crystal River Primary School (CRP), I witnessed firsthand the tremendous work being done to restore learning environments. Recovery teams were hard at work assessing damage, cleaning, drying, and sanitizing facilities to ensure a safe return for both students and staff.

To maintain a learning environment and begin the recovery process, it was necessary to temporarily relocate students from CRMS to CRHS, and about half of CRP students to LPS. This was no small endeavor, and something we had largely never done before.

A Community Coming Together

The collaboration and support among our educators, administrators, staff, district leaders, and volunteers have been truly inspiring. This unified effort will help our students and community thrive. A heartwarming example occurred at LPS, where CRP students, temporarily relocated due to storm damage, were greeted with high-fives from the Lecanto High School cheerleaders and the mascots of both LPS and CRP as they arrived by bus. This welcoming gesture created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort for the displaced students.

Thanks to our district’s robust digital integration of the curriculum, CRP teachers were able to continue their lessons seamlessly in the unfamiliar classrooms at LPS. LPS Principal Mollie Chandler and Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell ensured that Teacher Edition curriculum sets and classroom supplies were ready for CRP teachers in their temporary classrooms, allowing them to focus on teaching without missing a beat.

Leadership Amidst Challenges

At CRHS, Principal Brian Lancaster and his team quickly adapted to meet the needs of the displaced CRMS students. They converted three large spaces—the gym, cafeteria, and field house—into temporary learning environments. Even the CRHS JROTC gun range was repurposed as a support room for CRMS staff. These unprecedented solutions highlight the district’s ability to face logistical challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. CRHS students, staff, and leaders also had to adjust their environments to collaborate effectively.

Another touching show of support came from CRHS Culinary Arts teacher Autumn Crabtree. After hearing that CRMS staff had been working tirelessly, she and her students prepared fresh chicken salad meals for them. This gesture exemplifies the district’s commitment to supporting one another during difficult times.

Unsung Heroes: Staff, Volunteers, and Technology Teams

We owe deep gratitude to the administration teams at CRHS, LPS, CRMS, and CRP, as well as the departments that have been instrumental in keeping our schools running. From food services and custodial staff to school resource officers and guardians, their dedication has been unwavering. Our technology department has also played a critical role in meeting the digital needs of students and teachers, proving themselves to be essential workers in this recovery process.

District Executive Director for Risk Management, Steven Baumer, has done an outstanding job leading recovery efforts, coordinating with the Florida School Board Insurance Trust (FSBIT) to ensure that repairs and restoration are progressing swiftly. We are also grateful for the many volunteers and local organizations that have stepped in to offer support wherever it’s needed.

Looking Ahead

While there is still much to be done, the strength and unity of our community are undeniable. There will be more challenges to navigate, but by continuing to work together and extending grace to one another, we will overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. Though we may not have all the answers immediately, our collective efforts will ensure that our schools and students not only recover but thrive.

Everyone is working together to minimize the amount of time it will take to restore these learning environments. Let’s continue to support each other and work collaboratively toward a full recovery. Together, we will succeed.

Check Out Photos

Check out these great photos from the Citrus County School District Facebook page, capturing the excitement of welcoming back staff and students for the new school year: Citrus County School District Facebook Page.

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