Greenville, S.C. Schools Remain Closed After Hurricane Helene
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has forced the closure of the majority of schools in the Upstate region, including Greenville, S.C. As a result of the storm’s impact, a significant number of road hazards have arisen, leading to cancellations of classes and activities.
Closure Details
On Friday, October 4, school officials announced that all district schools would close on Monday, October 6. This decision comes in light of the extensive damage reported following the storm’s passage, with more than 1,500 issues documented, making transportation unsafe for both buses and private vehicles.
Safety Concerns
Director of Communications for Greenville County Schools stated that the identified issues include downed and low-hanging power lines, significant debris on roads, complete road blockages, closed bridges, and traffic signal outages at major intersections. The district emphasized the need for safety and reassured families that more assessments would take place before a decision about reopening is made.
Plans for the Week
A decision regarding the school operations for Tuesday, October 8, will be communicated on Monday afternoon, allowing the district team to reevaluate the road conditions. Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6 have confirmed they will remain closed on Monday, with no expectations for e-learning.
Other District Operations
Spartanburg School District 2 will have staff report on Monday and will welcome students back for regular classes on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, Districts 5 and 7 are also opening for staff only, with a planned two-hour delay for students on Tuesday, resuming normal operations on Wednesday, October 9.
Transportation Guidelines
The School District of Pickens County has announced that it will return to normal operations starting Monday. In a cautionary note, they indicated that their transportation staff would not be sending buses on roads deemed impassable by large vehicles. A comprehensive list of these roads can be accessed through their official webpage.
Anderson County Status
For Anderson County school districts, it was confirmed that all will remain closed on both Monday and Tuesday as those days were already scheduled as student holidays. Regular classes will resume on Wednesday, October 9.
Cherokee County Updates
Cherokee County Schools will operate on a staff-only basis on Monday, with updates on the following day’s plans expected later in the day.
Fall Break Notice
Additionally, Greenwood County School District 52 is currently on Fall Break, which began on Monday, September 30, and will last until Friday, October 11.
Conclusion
The situation remains fluid as school districts prioritize the safety of students and staff in light of Hurricane Helene’s impact. Parents and guardians are advised to keep an eye on updates from local school districts regarding the reopening plans for the upcoming days.
