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    The Monumental Task Of Reopening Puerto Rico's Schools

    Puerto Rico's education secretary, Julia Keleher, says the few schools that are open are providing basic services. But there's still so much work to be done.
    by Merrit Kennedy Oct 12, 2017 5 minutes
    Residents meet with FEMA representatives to file forms for federal aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria at the Jose de Diego Elementary School in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, on Oct. 2. / Carlos Giusti / Shutterstock.com

    The schools in Puerto Rico are facing massive challenges.

    All the public schools are without electricity, and more than half don't have water. More than 100 are still functioning as shelters.

    But Puerto Rico's secretary of education, Julia Keleher, tells us that the schools that are open are serving as connection points for communities. They've become a place where children and their families can eat a hot meal and get some emotional support, too.

    On Wednesday, we reported on two schools that have reopened — one public and one private.

    And this week we spoke with Keleher by phone about the challenges students and educators are facing. Our interview has been edited for length and clarity.

    Interview Highlights

    Broadly, can you give us an update on the state of public schools in Puerto Rico?

    We have 345,000 students and 1,113 schools. Last week, we opened 22. This week

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