Greenville County Schools Extend Closures Amid Ongoing Power Outages and Safety Concerns

Greenville County Schools Closed Due to Power Outages

Greenville, SC – The Greenville County Schools district has announced that all 106 schools will remain closed through Friday due to ongoing power outages and unsafe transportation conditions. Tim Waller, a spokesperson for the district, stated that the decision is based on widespread issues affecting power supply, traffic signals, and overall travel safety.

Reasons for Closure

“Widespread power outages, numerous traffic signals not working, and downed power lines and trees make travel unsafe for in-person learning,” Waller noted in a recent news release. This announcement comes at a time when South Carolina is still coping with the aftermath of a significant weather event that has left many areas without stable power.

Impact on eLearning

The school district is also unable to implement eLearning solutions due to the ongoing power issues, unreliable internet access, and poor cell phone reception. Waller explained that the district’s personnel are currently surveying the approximately 10,000 miles of roads used by school buses each day to assess safety.

Future Considerations

With conditions still worsening, Waller did not rule out the possibility of extending the school closures into next week. “While no decision has been made regarding next week, the plan will be dependent upon power restoration, internet accessibility, safe transportation routes, and food supplies,” he stated. To restart the school lunch program, the district needs to ensure that power is reestablished first and that cafeteria food supplies can be restocked, a process that he emphasized will take at least 48 hours after power is restored.

Extent of the Affected Area

Greenville County Schools serve nearly 78,000 students, reaching families from the scenic Blue Ridge foothills to the bustling city neighborhoods of Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. The district aims to keep families informed while navigating these challenges.

Community Response

Conclusion

The Greenville County Schools administration is dedicated to prioritizing student safety during this difficult time. Updates regarding school operations and future plans will be communicated as the situation evolves. As residents await power restoration and safe travel conditions, the district continues to monitor the unfolding events closely.