Greenville Schools Remain Closed Following Hurricane Helene
Greenville, S.C. — The majority of schools in the Upstate have decided to stay closed on Monday, October 6, as the region continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. School officials are evaluating current conditions and planning operations for the upcoming week.
What Happened
The school district made the announcement on Friday, October 4, stating that all schools would remain closed on Monday, and all scheduled activities are canceled. Although improvements have been made since Hurricane Helene made landfall last Friday, the district reported over 1,500 issues affecting safety. Concerns include downed power lines, substantial road debris, complete blockages, closed bridges, and sinking roads.
Why Schools Are Closed
In a statement, the district emphasized that conditions are unsafe for buses and vehicles. The Greenville County Schools (GCS) team plans to reassess road conditions on Monday afternoon to determine if schools can reopen on Tuesday, October 8.
Status of School Districts
Several school districts have already communicated their plans for Monday:
- Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6: Closed with no e-learning expectations.
- Spartanburg School District 2: Open for staff only; students return on Tuesday.
- Districts 5 and 7: Open for staff only, with a two-hour delay for students on Tuesday.
- School District of Pickens County: Normal operations to resume on Monday, but bus routes may avoid impassable roads.
- Anderson County school districts: Closed on Monday and Tuesday for previously scheduled breaks, resuming normal activities on Wednesday.
- Cherokee County Schools: Open for staff with updates on Tuesday to follow.
- Greenwood County School District 52: Currently on Fall Break until October 11.
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to unfold, school districts are working closely with local authorities to ensure that safety remains a priority. On Tuesday afternoon, further announcements will be made regarding the operational status for the remainder of the week.
Community Impact
Residents and parents are urged to stay informed through official communications from their respective school district. With many roads still deemed hazardous and utility issues prevalent, safety remains a collective responsibility. District officials and parents alike are reminded that the well-being of students is the foremost concern as evaluations continue.
Updates regarding the reopening of schools and changes to planned activities will be made available as new information is reported. In the meantime, local communities are urged to exercise caution and stay connected with updates through their district’s communication channels.
