Greenville County Schools and Converse University Close for Week Due to Hurricane Helene

Greenville County Schools and Converse University to Close for Week Due to Hurricane Helene

Greenville, SC – In response to the damage and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene, Greenville County Schools has announced that all schools will be closed for the entire week, continuing through Friday, October 4. The decision comes as officials noted ongoing issues with stable power and safe transportation in the area.

No E-Learning or Activities

According to district officials, there will be no eLearning during this closure, and all field trips have been canceled. The district is currently assessing damages and evaluating about 370 bus routes to determine when it might be safe to resume operations. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has advised residents to stay off the roads, as many routes remain impassable due to fallen trees and power lines.

Power and Transportation Concerns

Officials have stressed that the widespread power outages, coupled with unreliable cellular reception, make online learning impractical. District buses drive approximately 38,000 miles daily across roughly 10,000 miles of roads, but current conditions prevent safe travel.

Future Plans Pending

School officials plan to evaluate their options for the week of October 7, which may include a return to in-person classes or continued online learning, all depending upon the restoration of power and safe transportation routes.

Other Closures Across the Region

Multiple schools and universities in the surrounding areas have also decided to close or cancel classes. Spartanburg County schools will remain closed through Friday, as will all campuses of Spartanburg Community College. Anderson County schools have canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, with some schools offering charging stations for devices and free meals during those days.

University Closures

Converse University has canceled classes for the entire week, while Clemson University has closed its main campus and all statewide locations through October 4. Other institutions, including Wofford College, Furman University, and Anderson University, have also suspended classes for varying durations due to similar challenges with power outages and accessibility.

Communities Coming Together

As the community recovers, many universities and schools are providing support, such as charging stations and meals, to assist students and families affected by the storm. Local authorities continue to work diligently to restore power and keep the roads safe as residents navigate the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.