As Southwest Florida moves through hurricane season, we want to share how Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) prepares for severe weather, makes decisions about Collier County school closures, and communicates those decisions to families.
District and school leaders monitor weather conditions daily. Every CCPS school is equipped with weather radios, lightning prediction alerts, and severe weather warning systems.
Because weather conditions can vary across our county, we encourage families to “Start with CCPS” for the most accurate and timely information affecting our schools.
Who decides whether Collier County schools close?
CCPS is responsible for school operations, but weather-related decisions are made in coordination with trusted partners, including:
- The National Weather Service in Miami
- The National Hurricane Center
- Collier County Emergency Management
- The Collier County Sheriff’s Office
- Local fire rescue districts
What factors go into Collier County school closures?
When considering a school closure, delay, or operational change, factors include, but are not limited to:
- The safety of students and staff
- Current and projected weather conditions
- Road conditions throughout the county
- Transportation safety, including sustained winds that may affect bus operations
- The use of schools as emergency shelters
- The condition and readiness of school facilities
Does instructional time affect closure decisions?
School closure decisions must also consider Florida’s instructional time requirements. While safety always comes first, we also take into account our responsibility to maintain continuity of learning for students.
How will I find out if school is closed?
Parents should verify their contact information in the CCPS Parent Portal to ensure they receive important updates without delay.
Weather-related communications are shared through our official school and district communication channels and delivered directly to parents’ phones. Updates are also posted on:
- The CCPS website, collierschools.com
- Official social media channels such as Facebook, X, and Instagram (@collierschools)
For more detail, read our story on how CCPS handles emergency communication.
Remember to “Start with CCPS” for trusted information and the latest updates affecting school operations.
By relying on official district communication channels, families can be confident they are receiving accurate, timely information when weather conditions change.
As we navigate Florida weather, please know our team is prepared and committed to making informed decisions that keep our school communities safe.
Getting your family ready for storm season? See our guide to hurricane preparedness and resources in Southwest Florida, our hurricane preparation list for Naples families, and tips for helping your children cope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides Collier County school closures during a hurricane?
CCPS makes decisions about school operations in coordination with the National Weather Service in Miami, the National Hurricane Center, Collier County Emergency Management, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire rescue districts.
How do CCPS parents get school closure updates?
Weather-related updates go directly to parents’ phones through official school and district channels. They are also posted on collierschools.com and on @collierschools on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Verify your contact information in the CCPS Parent Portal so you don’t miss them.
What does CCPS consider before closing schools for weather?
Factors include student and staff safety, current and projected weather, road conditions, transportation safety (including sustained winds that may affect buses), the use of schools as emergency shelters, the condition of school facilities, and Florida’s instructional time requirements.
Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli is superintendent of Collier County Public Schools.