Greenville County Schools Set to Reopen After Storm Closure

Greenville County Schools Set to Reopen After Storm Closure

Schools Ready to Welcome Back Students After Power Restoration

Good news for students, parents, and educators in Greenville! Starting Wednesday, all 105 schools in South Carolina’s largest school district are gearing up to reopen their doors after being shut down for a week due to severe weather from Hurricane Helene. The storm passed through on the morning of September 24, causing power outages in nearly all schools except for one.

Power Restoration and Damage Assessment

As the winds calmed and the storm left the area, school officials got to work. While the majority of schools regained power quickly, Greenville Middle School was still awaiting service restoration on Tuesday, just a day before the reopening. It’s expected that everything will be back to normal by the time classes start.

However, the storm did leave some marks on the district’s facilities. Fourteen schools experienced various degrees of damage, the most common being leaky roofs and windows. Specific locations such as Heritage Elementary had damage to its freezer canopy, and a shed near the softball field at Travelers Rest High was also affected. In addition to physical damage, fallen trees blocked some access roads and disrupted car lines, adding to the challenges faced by the district.

Efforts to Restore Normalcy

Superintendent Burke Royster shared details during the school board’s meeting on Tuesday, revealing that his team had been working tirelessly since Friday to ensure the schools are ready for students. His experience spans over 40 years, and he noted this storm ranks among the most severe he has encountered, alongside significant ice storms in the 1980s and Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

When it comes to the food supply for students, Royster explained that all perishable items had to be discarded due to the closure, but restocking is already underway. It’s worth mentioning that the district prides itself on serving approximately 85,000 meals a day, ensuring that students have nutritious options when they return. Royster confidently stated that he expects FEMA to help cover these food losses and assist with the cleanup costs.

Detailed Cleanup and Rerouted Bus Routes

In a meticulous effort, teams of district employees drove over 8,000 miles to assess damage and manage cleanup needs. Initially, they discovered a staggering 1,549 problem areas, but that number has significantly dropped to 1,074 as efforts progressed. This organization is critical, as around 300 bus routes needed adjustments, prompting the district to reach out to families directly to inform them of the new arrangements for getting their children to school.

School Activities and Safety Measures

As the district prepares to welcome students back, some temporary changes are being enforced. Notably, no field trips will take place until October 13, and all school-related activities will conclude by 5:30 PM this week. The aim here is to prioritize safety, particularly since several roads still have debris that may pose risks during evening travel.

Looking Ahead

The Greenville community has come together during this trying time, and while the path back to normalcy may have its challenges, the district’s commitment to its students and families shone brightly. With classes resuming, students are ready to return, teachers are eager to engage, and the community is optimistic about the school year ahead.